NOMENCLATURE OF LUNAR FEATURES

Aug. 27, 2019

ISRO released images of the lunar surface captured by the Terrain Mapping Camera-2 of the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft orbiting the Moon.

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  • The images show impact craters named after various scientists — (Arnold) Sommerfeld (Germany), (Daniel) Kirkwood (US), Mitra (India), (Charles) Hermite (France) etc.

  • Mitra (1890-1963), born in Bengal, was a physicist and Padma Bhushan winner.

  • The system of nomenclature of lunar features is now standardised. According to a resolution by the International Astronomical Union in 1973,
    • Crater and crater-like formations are given the names of astronomers or eminent scientists , posthumously.

    • Mountains are given names corresponding to the geographical names of mountains of the Earth and

    • Extensive dark surfaces are given names that correspond to the mental states of humans.



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