Indian PM Chooses Names for Chandrayaan-3 and Chandrayaan-2 Landing Sites

Recently Indian Prime Minister personally selected the names for the landing sites of Chandrayaan-3 and Chandrayaan-2 missions.

Key Points

S Somnath's Statement: S Somnath, the head of ISRO, disclosed the Prime Minister's role in naming the sites.
"Shiva Shakti" for Chandrayaan-3: PM named the Chandrayaan-3 landing site as "Shiva Shakti."
"Tiranga" for Chandrayaan-2: The Chandrayaan-2 landing site will be known as "Tiranga."

Significance of the Chosen Names

Deep Indian Significance: The names chosen by PM Modi hold profound Indian significance.
Symbolism of "Shiva Shakti": "Shiva Shakti" represents the strength of the women who played a significant role in the missions.
Meaning of "Tiranga": "Tiranga" is associated with the national flag, and the name reflects positivity without negative connotations.
Focus on Indian Identity: The chosen names underscore India's heritage and values.

Historical and Cultural References

Lunar features can be named after historical figures, scientists, astronauts, or cultural references.
For instance, lunar craters often carry names of famous scientists and explorers.
Space agencies like NASA and ESA may propose names for lunar sites with scientific or historical significance.

Who Names Landing Sites on the Moon?

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is responsible for officially naming celestial bodies and their features on the Moon.
Founded in 1919, IAU establishes rules for space activities and has 92 member countries, including India.
IAU's mission is to promote astronomy through international cooperation in research, communication, education, and development.
IAU establishes guidelines and procedures for naming lunar features like craters, mountains, and valleys.
Informal naming is common before official naming, with many names gaining "official" status later.

IAU's Naming Process for Planetary Objects

IAU's Working Groups, composed of experts in planetary science and lunar geology, propose and review names for lunar features.
Upon approval through member vote, names become official IAU nomenclature for maps and publications.
Objections can be raised by contacting IAU within three months of the name being posted online.

IAU's Norms for Naming Space Objects

IAU provides guidelines for naming planetary objects, suggesting names should be simple, clear, unambiguous, and not duplicate existing names.
Political, military, or religious names are generally avoided, except for political figures predating the 19th century.
Commemoration of individuals on celestial bodies requires they have been deceased for at least three years before a proposal can be submitted.

Existing Indian Names on the Moon

The naming of the landing site is not a unique event, as there are already several Indian names on the Moon.
One such example is the Sarabhai crater on the Moon.
After the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008, the spot where the probe crashed was named "Jawahar Sthal" in honor of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister.
ISRO suggested this name as the landing occurred on his birthday, and he advocated scientific development and research in India.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) accepted this name later, officially recognizing it.