Daily Current Affairs : 28-August-2023
In a recent announcement, the Prime Minister of India declared that the point where the Chandrayaan-3 lander touched down on the lunar surface would be named “Shiv Shakti.” This decision raises intriguing questions about the tradition of naming lunar landing sites, international agreements governing outer space, and the role of organizations like the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in this process.
Tradition of Naming Lunar Landing Sites
Across the globe, there is a long-standing tradition of naming points on the lunar surface where successful missions have landed. This practice allows for a sense of recognition and historical significance. Some notable examples include:
- The spot where Chandrayaan-2 tragically crashed in 2019 has been named “Tiranga,” symbolizing the Indian tricolor.
- Several Indian names already grace the Moon, such as the “Sarabhai crater,” named after renowned scientist Vikram Sarabhai.
- Following the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008, the spot where the probe intentionally crashed was named “Jawahar Sthal” in honor of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
International Agreements on Outer Space
The Outer Space Treaty, established by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in 1966, stipulates that outer space, including the moon and celestial bodies, cannot be subject to national appropriation, sovereignty claims, or occupation. Key points include:
- Cooperation among nations is essential for space exploration, emphasizing peaceful and collaborative efforts.
- Planting a flag on the moon, while symbolically significant, holds no legal weight.
- Importantly, the treaty does not provide guidelines or regulations for naming sites on celestial bodies.
The Role of the International Astronomical Union (IAU)
The IAU, consisting of 92 member countries, plays a pivotal role in determining nomenclature for celestial objects, including lunar landing sites. Established in 1919, the IAU serves as the authority in planetary and satellite naming. While its decisions are not legally binding, they set important conventions:
- During the Apollo missions, informal names were assigned to landmarks like craters and mountains near landing sites.
- Official names, such as “Hadley Rille,” were also used and later endorsed by the IAU.
- IAU guidelines mandate that names for planetary objects should be clear, unambiguous, and non-duplicative.
- Names with political, military, or religious connotations are generally discouraged, except for pre-19th century political figures.
- Honoring individuals on planetary bodies is allowed but is subject to specific criteria, including a three-year posthumous period.
Important Points:
Tradition of Naming Lunar Landing Sites
- Recognition and historical significance.
- Examples: “Tiranga,” “Sarabhai crater,” “Jawahar Sthal.”
Outer Space Treaty
- Outer space not subject to national appropriation.
- Emphasis on cooperation in space exploration.
- Symbolic flag planting with no legal consequences.
- No guidelines for naming celestial sites.
The Role of the International Astronomical Union (IAU)
- Authority in planetary and satellite naming.
- Endorsed names for lunar landmarks, e.g., “Hadley Rille.”
- Guidelines for planetary object names.
- Discourages political, military, and religious names.
- Criteria for honoring individuals on celestial bodies.
Why In News
The Prime Minister of India, in a momentous announcement, revealed that the precise location where the Chandrayaan-3 lander gracefully touched down on the lunar surface will forever be etched in history as ‘Shiv Shakti,’ a name symbolizing India’s prowess in space exploration. This symbolic gesture serves as a testament to India’s commitment to harnessing the power of science and innovation for the betterment of humanity, while also honoring the rich cultural heritage that inspires its space endeavors.
MCQs about Naming Lunar Landing Sites
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What is the primary purpose of naming lunar landing sites?
A. To claim sovereignty over celestial bodies.
B. To establish a historical record.
C. To allocate resources for future missions.
D. To comply with international treaties.
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According to the Outer Space Treaty, what is the significance of planting a nation’s flag on the moon?
A. It establishes legal ownership of the lunar territory.
B. It signifies the beginning of a new lunar colony.
C. It holds symbolic value but has no legal consequences.
D. It allows the nation to exploit lunar resources.
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Which organization plays a crucial role in naming celestial objects, including lunar landmarks?
A. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
B. ESA (European Space Agency)
C. IAU (International Astronomical Union)
D. UNOOSA (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs)
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What is one of the key guidelines mentioned by the IAU for naming planetary objects?
A. Names must be politically significant.
B. Names must duplicate existing names for clarity.
C. Names should have religious connotations.
D. Names should not have military, political, or religious significance.
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