In a notable advancement in planetary exploration, researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India, have identified three previously undiscovered craters on Mars.

These newly identified craters, located in the Tharsis volcanic region on Mars at approximately 21.0°S, 209°W, have received official names approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). They are named Lal crater, Mursan crater, and Hilsa crater, honoring the former director of PRL and two small Indian towns, respectively.

What are these craters?

Lal Crater

The Lal Crater on Mars was named in honor of a former director of the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India. It is located in the Tharsis volcanic region on Mars, specifically around 21.0°S, 209°W. This crater’s designation was officially approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as part of a recognition for contributions to planetary exploration.

Mursan Crater

The Mursan Crater on Mars, named by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), is located in the Tharsis volcanic region at approximately 21.0°S, 209°W. It was named in honor of a former director of the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India, as part of the contributions made by the PRL scientists to planetary exploration.

Hilsa Crater

The Hilsa Crater on Mars, designated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), is situated in the Tharsis volcanic region at coordinates approximately 21.0°S, 209°W. Named after a small town in India, Hilsa crater is one of three newly discovered craters by scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, marking a significant contribution to planetary exploration.

Why it’s a big deal

The discovery of these craters holds profound scientific importance. Lal Crater, entirely covered in lava, revealed a 45-meter thick sedimentary deposit beneath its floor through NASA’s SHARAD instrument on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). This sedimentary layer provides strong evidence that water once flowed on Mars, depositing significant amounts of sediment within Lal Crater.

Meanwhile, the smaller craters, Mursan and Hilsa, offer insights into the episodic nature and timeline of this sedimentation process.

Dr. Anil Bhardwaj, Director of PRL, remarked, “This discovery confirms that Mars was once wet and water has flowed on its surface. It is a significant step in unraveling the planet’s geological history and potential for harboring life.”

The PRL team’s findings have been published in the Astrophysical Journal, and the IAU Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature has officially recognized the names Lal Crater, Mursan Crater, and Hilsa Crater for these significant features on Mars.