After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the name “Shiv Shakti” for the spot where the Vikram lander touched down during India’s Chandrayaan 3 mission, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has officially approved this name.
The site is now recognized as “Statio Shiv Shakti” according to the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, which documents approved planetary names. This approval came about seven months after the Prime Minister’s announcement.
Chandrayaan 3 Moon Landing Site Officially Named ‘Shiv Shakti
On August 26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that the Chandrayaan 3’s moon landing spot would be called Shiv Shakti. Now, six months later, the International Astronomical Union (IAU), responsible for naming celestial objects, has given official recognition to this name.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature has given its approval to the name ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ for the landing site of Chandrayaan’s Vikram lander.
On August 26, 2023, the Prime Minister made an important announcement at the Isro Telemetry Tracking and Command Network Mission Control Complex in Bengaluru. He declared that August 23 would be celebrated as ‘National Space Day’ in honor of Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on the Moon.
He also revealed that the location where Chandrayaan-2 landed would be named ‘Tiranga’, symbolizing India’s resilience and determination. This historic achievement occurred on August 23, 2023, marking India as the first country to reach the Moon’s uncharted South Pole and one of the top four nations to achieve a soft landing on its surface.
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Chandrayaan 3
India’s third lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3, launched from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 14. After a month, on August 23, the Vikram lander and Pragyan Rover successfully landed on the moon. This marked India’s historic achievement as the first country to land near the lunar South Pole and the fourth to achieve a controlled lunar landing.
After 10 days of exploration on the moon’s surface, both the lander and rover went into sleep mode. Meanwhile, the propulsion module remains in lunar orbit after separating from the lander.
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What is Shiv Shakti Point?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on August 26 that the landing spot for Chandrayaan 3’s moon lander would be called Shiv Shakti.
Modi explained, “Shiv represents determination for the well-being of people, and Shakti empowers us to achieve those goals.”
The name was officially recorded in the IAU’s Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, which stated that it symbolizes the balance between masculine (Shiv) and feminine (Shakti) energies in Indian mythology.
Planetary Nomenclature
Planetary naming works just like naming spots on Earth. It’s crucial for identifying and discussing specific features on planets and moons. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) manages a comprehensive list of names for various locations on planets, moons, and even certain ring systems, starting from 1919. This organized list greatly aids scientists in pinpointing and describing these places accurately.
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FAQs
Q.1. What is the significance of the name ‘Shiv Shakti’ for Chandrayaan 3’s landing site?
Ans. ‘Shiv Shakti’ symbolizes the balance of masculine and feminine energies in Indian mythology, representing determination and empowerment.
Q.2. Who approved the name ‘Shiv Shakti’ for the moon landing site?
Ans. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially recognized and approved the name.
Q.3. When was the name ‘Shiv Shakti’ announced for the landing site?
Ans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the name ‘Shiv Shakti’ on August 26, 2023.
Q.4. What is the role of the IAU in planetary naming?
Ans. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) manages the official naming of celestial objects and their features, including planets, moons, and more.
Q.5. How does the naming process work for planetary features?
Ans. Similar to Earth, planetary naming involves assigning names to specific locations on celestial bodies, aiding scientists in accurate identification and discussion.
