IAU approves Chandrayaan-3 landing site name ‘Shiva Shakti’
Bengaluru: In a recent development, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has given its seal of approval to the name ‘Shiva Shakti’ for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3. This decision, made on March 19, follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement post the mission’s successful culmination on August 26, 2023.
According to the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, maintained by the IAU, the name ‘Shiva Shakti’ draws its inspiration from Indian mythology, symbolizing the dual nature of masculinity (Shiva) and femininity (Shakti).
Prime Minister Modi had originally revealed the name ‘Shiv Shakti Point’ for the Chandrayaan-3 landing site during his address at ISRO on August 28, 2023. Additionally, he declared that the site of Chandrayaan-2’s landing failure would be known as the “Tiranga point.” Furthermore, he designated August 23, the day of the Vikram Lander’s touchdown on the Moon, as “National Space Day” in India.
This decision by the IAU adds a significant cultural and symbolic dimension to the Chandrayaan-3 mission, highlighting the intertwining of scientific exploration with rich mythological heritage.
