In astronomy, the naming of celestial bodies follows established protocols to maintain consistency and recognition within the scientific community. Recently, an important name was officially acknowledged for the landing site of India’s Chandrayaan mission’s Vikram lander. This recognition not only underscores India’s contributions to lunar exploration but also adds the name to a formal catalog of celestial features. Understanding the list that includes this newly recognized name is key to appreciating its importance in the field of astronomy. Which of the following is the name approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander?

The correct answer is ShivShakti.

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• The name approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander was ShivShakti

Key Points

• IAU Approval: International Astronomical Union approved the name for Chandrayaan-3’s landing site.
• Announcement: Named ‘Shiv Shakti’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 26, 2023.
• Etymology and Significance
  • Shiv (Shiva): Represents resolution for humanity’s welfare.
  • Shakti: Symbolizes strength to achieve those resolutions.
• Cultural Significance: Connects India from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari.
• International Astronomical Union (IAU)
  • Founded in 1919.
  • Responsible for naming celestial bodies and surface features.

Additional Information

• Chandrayaan-3 Mission Overview
  • Second lunar landing attempt by ISRO after Chandrayaan-2.
  • Launched on July 14, 2023, using LVM3 from Sriharikota.
  • Historic soft landing on August 23, 2023, at Lunar South Pole, making India:
  • First to land at the Lunar South Pole.
  • Fourth globally for soft lunar landing.
• Mission Objectives
  • Achieve safe and soft lunar landing.
  • Deploy Rover for surface mobility.
  • Conduct in-situ scientific experiments.
• Mission Components
  • Propulsion Module: Carried lander and SHAPE payload for Earth studies.
  • Lander Module (Vikram): Soft landing with ALS technology.
  • Rover (Pragyan): Surface exploration and analysis.
• Key Milestones
  • Lunar orbit insertion: August 5, 2023.
  • Lander-Propulsion separation: August 17.
  • Deboosting phases: August 18 and 20.
  • Rover deployment: August 24, 2023.