Researchers at IIST, Thiruvananthapuram, helped name several Martian landforms after Kerala places and geologist M S Krishnan. The announcement came on November 28, 2025, after the IAU accepted their proposal linked to a crater study in Mars’ Xanthe Terra region.

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• IAU clears names inspired by Kerala for Martian craters.
• Includes: Valiamala, Thumba, Bekal, Varkala, Periyar, Krishnan.
• Proposal submitted by IIST researchers Rajesh V J and Asif Iqbal.
• Study focused on unnamed crater in Xanthe Terra region.
• Researchers found signs of ancient glaciers and flowing water.
• Krishnan Crater named for 3.5-billion-year-old formation.
• Its inner plain named Krishnan Palus; channel named Periyar Vallis.
• Four nearby small craters named after Kerala localities.
• Many names initially rejected; approved after revisions.
• Follows last year’s naming of Martian craters after Devendra Lal, Mursan, Hilsa.