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. BulletsIn IAU clears names inspired by Kerala for Martian craters. Includes: Valiamala, Thumba, Bekal, Varkala,