In a recent development, the Chandrayaan-2’s orbiter has successfully scanned a lunar crater, named after the acclaimed radio physicist of the 20th century, Sisir Kumar Mitra. Images captured by Chandrayaan-2 also include various impact craters such as Jackson, Mach, and Korolev. Each of these craters is named after eminent personalities in the field of astronomy and physics.
About Sisir Kumar Mitra
Professor Sisir Kumar Mitra was a pioneering Indian physicist known for his extensive research in ionosphere–the upper region of the atmosphere—and radiophysics. He introduced the concept of radio communication teaching in India for the first time. His book titled ‘Upper Atmosphere’ is revered as an essential source by researchers in the field of the ionosphere. In the 1950s, Mitra championed the cause of space research and high altitude rocket research programs, similar to those conducted by US and USSR.
Naming of the Lunar Crater
The International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature, responsible for naming planetary features across the solar system, honored Mitra’s work and impact by naming a lunar crater after him in 1970.
Lunar Craters: An Overview
Lunar craters are distinct, bowl-shaped topographical features on the moon’s surface, created by the processes of Volcanism and Cratering. The moon is home to hundreds of thousands of craters, varying in size from less than a mile across to giant basins. The largest identified lunar crater is known as the South Pole-Aitken Basin. Owing to the moon’s lack of water, atmosphere, and tectonic plates, there is minimal erosion, preserving craters that are over two billion years old.
| Largest Lunar Crater: | South Pole-Aitken Basin |
|---|---|
| Number of Lunar Craters: | Hundreds of Thousands |
| Age of oldest known crater: | Over Two Billion Years |
About Chandrayaan-2 Mission
Chandrayaan-2 is an ambitious space mission that aims to soft-land the lander -Vikram, and rover- Pragyan in a high plain located between two craters, Manzinus C and Simpelius N. This mission marks the first attempt at a soft landing on the Moon’s south polar region. Furthermore, it also stands testimony to Indian prowess in technology as it is the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface using indigenous technology. This achievement positions India as the fourth country to ever successfully soft-land on the lunar surface.
