International Astronomical Union (IAU)

27.03.2024

International Astronomical Union (IAU)

Why in the news?

  Recently 'Station Shiv Shakti' has been approved as the name of Chandrayaan-3 landing site by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Important points:

• Naming of the landing site of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander was approved on March 19.
• On August 26, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the point where Chandrayaan-3's moon lander touched down would be called 'Shiv Shakti'.
• The citation for the name in the Gazetteer reads: "Compound word from Indian mythology representing the masculine ("Shiva") and feminine ("Shakti") duality of nature; landing site of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander
• Mr Modi had earlier named the point at which the Chandrayaan-2 mission's lander crashed in September 2019 as "Tiranga Point".
• Former President APJ Abdul Kalam suggested the name "Jawahar Point" where the Chandrayaan-1 moon impact probe landed in November 2008.

About naming of planets:

• According to the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, like terrestrial nomenclature, planetary nomenclature is used to uniquely identify a feature on the surface of a planet or satellite so that it can be easily located, described, and discussed.
• It is the only professionally recognized organization for naming celestial bodies, which it does based solely on the merit, history, or privilege of the discoverer.
• The Astrogeology Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey maintains the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature on behalf of the IAU with funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
• The IAU is the internationally recognized authority for naming planetary surface features. To do this certain rules and traditions are followed.
• For example, Rule 4 states: “Solar system nomenclature should be international in the choice of names. Recommendations submitted to IAU national committees will be considered, but the final selection of names is the responsibility of the International Astronomical Union.
• Strongly supports the equitable selection of names by ethnic groups, countries and gender on each map where appropriate; However, a higher percentage of names from the country planning the landing is allowed on the landing site map.
• Rule 9 of the IAU states: "With the exception of names of political figures dating back to the 19th century, no names having political, military or religious significance may be used.

About the International Astronomical Union (IAU):

• The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is an important body that regulates international professional astronomical activities around the world.
• The IAU was founded in 1919 as the first of a series of international associations for the advancement of specific branches of science.
• Its headquarters is located in Paris, France.
• Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation.
• The IAU is composed of various divisions, commissions, and working groups representing different areas of astronomical research, teaching, and other endeavors.
• The IAU holds a general assembly every three years in a different part of the world, at which professional astronomers meet to discuss research, new cooperative ventures, and similar matters of professional interest.
• The IAU also works to promote research, education, and public outreach activities in astronomy to the public.

                  Source: Hindustan times