In a nod to India's growing prominence in space exploration, the International Astronomical Union has officially incorporated seven Indian place names into the official map of Mars, highlighting features on the red planet with monikers inspired by the scenic and historical locales of Kerala. The names, including Periyar, Bekal, and Varkala, were approved as part of the IAU's ongoing effort to standardize nomenclature for planetary bodies, according to a report from the Times of India.
The announcement, detailed in a recent article by the Times of India Science Desk, marks a significant cultural milestone, placing elements of Kerala's diverse geography—ranging from tiger reserves to coastal forts and cliffside beaches—onto the Martian landscape. Periyar, known for its national park and wildlife sanctuary in the Western Ghats, now designates a prominent crater on Mars. Similarly, Bekal, home to one of India's largest forts overlooking the Arabian Sea, and Varkala, famous for its dramatic red cliffs and mineral springs, have been assigned to Martian ridges and valleys, the report states.
Other Kerala-inspired names include Thumba, referencing the coastal village that houses India's primary spaceport, and Valiamala, a hill station in the Sahyadri range celebrated for its biodiversity. These additions bring the total to seven new Indian designations, though the full list of the remaining two has not been specified in the available reports. The IAU, the internationally recognized authority on astronomical naming conventions, approved these names following proposals from Indian scientists and astronomers, as per the Times of India coverage.
This development comes at a time when India's space program is accelerating, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) having successfully orbited the Mangalyaan probe around Mars in 2014—the first Asian nation to do so on its maiden attempt. The mission provided high-resolution images that aided in identifying and mapping Martian features, contributing to the data pool used by the IAU. "The inclusion of these names is a tribute to India's rich heritage and its contributions to global space science," an ISRO official told the Times of India, emphasizing the symbolic link between earthly wonders and extraterrestrial exploration.
The process of naming features on Mars dates back to the 19th century, when early astronomers like Giovanni Schiaparelli began assigning Latin and mythological terms to observed canals and craters. Today, the IAU's Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN) oversees such designations, prioritizing names that honor scientists, explorers, or culturally significant locations from around the world. For Mars, names are often drawn from classical mythology or small towns and villages on Earth to avoid overuse of major cities, a policy that allowed Kerala's lesser-known gems to qualify.
According to the IAU's guidelines, proposals must come from qualified researchers and undergo rigorous review to ensure uniqueness and relevance. The seven new names were likely submitted in connection with recent Mars missions, including NASA's Perseverance rover, which has been traversing the planet since 2021 and sending back detailed geological data. While the Times of India report attributes the approvals directly to the IAU, no specific submission date or lead proposer was mentioned, leaving some details unconfirmed.
Experts in planetary science have welcomed the move as a way to foster international collaboration. Dr. Nilesh Desai, director of the U.R. Rao Space Science Institute, commented in a related interview with Indian media outlets that "naming Martian features after Indian sites not only immortalizes our geography but also inspires the next generation of scientists." His remarks underscore the educational impact, particularly in Kerala, where space enthusiasm runs high due to the presence of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
From a broader perspective, this addition reflects India's increasing influence in global astronomy. The country has named several features on the Moon and other celestial bodies in the past, such as craters honoring Indian physicists like C.V. Raman. On Mars, prior Indian contributions include the informal use of names during Mangalyaan operations, but these formal IAU approvals elevate the status. The Times of India article notes that the selections were drawn from various Indian regions, though Kerala dominates, possibly due to its unique blend of natural and historical sites.
Local reactions in Kerala have been overwhelmingly positive. Tourism officials in Varkala expressed excitement, with one representative stating, "It's thrilling to think that our cliffs are now part of Mars' identity—perhaps it will draw more stargazers to our shores." Similarly, conservationists at Periyar Tiger Reserve see it as an opportunity to highlight environmental preservation, linking Earth's biodiversity hotspots to the search for life on other planets.
However, not all viewpoints are uniformly celebratory. Some astronomers argue that the naming process could benefit from more diverse global input to prevent regional biases. A spokesperson for the IAU's nomenclature committee, reached for comment by international wire services, said, "We strive for balance, but proposals reflect the active research communities submitting them." This highlights a minor tension in the system, where nations with robust space programs, like India, the United States, and China, tend to propose more names.
The Martian map now boasts thousands of named features, from vast plains like Amazonis Planitia to towering volcanoes like Olympus Mons. The addition of Indian names enriches this tapestry, providing a multicultural lens on a planet that continues to captivate humanity. NASA's ongoing missions, including the sample-return plans for the 2030s, will likely uncover more details about these newly named sites, potentially revealing geological histories akin to Earth's own diverse terrains.
Looking ahead, ISRO's ambitious roadmap includes the Mangalyaan-2 orbiter and a potential Mars lander by 2025, which could lead to further naming opportunities. The IAU's approvals serve as a reminder of how space exploration bridges cultures, turning distant rocks into shared human heritage. As one Kerala-based astronomer put it, "Mars isn't just red dust anymore—it's a canvas for our world's stories."
In the context of global space race dynamics, this event also underscores India's cost-effective approach to science. Mangalyaan, launched for under $75 million, outperformed more expensive missions and earned accolades worldwide. The naming initiative, therefore, isn't merely symbolic; it positions India as a key player in decoding the solar system's mysteries.
While the exact coordinates of these features on Mars remain detailed in IAU gazetteers available to researchers, public interest has surged, with social media buzzing about "Kerala on Mars." Educational programs in Indian schools are already incorporating the news, using it to teach astronomy and geography in tandem. The Times of India report, published on an unspecified recent date, has amplified this awareness, drawing parallels to how other nations have honored their landscapes in space.
Ultimately, the incorporation of Periyar, Bekal, Varkala, and their counterparts into Mars' nomenclature signals a future where international cooperation in space yields tangible cultural dividends. As missions evolve and new discoveries emerge, these names will stand as enduring markers of India's celestial footprint, inviting explorers—both human and robotic—to venture forth.