It’s Official: IAU Approves ‘Shiv Shakti’ as Name for Chandrayaan-3 Landing Site – News18

Shiv Shakti, the name given to the landing site of India’s Chandrayaan 3’s moon lander, on Tuesday, received international recognition from a globally recognised body for nomenclature of celestial objects.

International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature approved the name ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ for the landing site of Chandrayaan’s Vikram lander.

Also Read: How are Spots on the Moon Named: Explained Amid India Naming Landing Spot as Shiv Shakti Point

According to the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, which provides detailed information about planetary names, the approval to Shiv Shakti point was granted on March 19.

The name Shiv Shakti was given to Vikram Lander’s landing site on 26 August 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “In Shiva, there’s a resolution for humanity’s welfare and Shakti gives us strength to fulfil those resolutions. This Shiva Shakti Point of Moon also gives a sense of connection with the Himalayas to Kanyakumari,” Modi said while naming the site.

Apart from the Shiv Shakti landing point, PM Modi also announced that the point where Chandrayaan-2 left its footprints will be called ‘Tiranga’ adding that it would serve as an inspiration for every effort that India makes and be a reminder that failure is not the end.

In 2008, India’s Chandrayaan-1’s moon impact probe (MIP) impacted the lunar surface on Nov 14, 2008. The impact site was called ‘Jawahar Point’ or ‘Jawahar Sthal’ as notified to the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

On August 24, 2023, India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moon’s south pole as the Chandrayaan-3 overcame numerous challenges before its historic touchdown on the lunar surface.

Last week, ISRO was honoured with the prestigious Aviation Week Laureates Award for its successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.

The Aviation Week Laureates Award is renowned for recognising extraordinary accomplishments within the aerospace industry. This year, it celebrated Isro’s groundbreaking Chandrayaan-3.