With reference to Martian analogue sites identified by Kerala University, consider the following statements: 1. The DST-FIST is a laser Raman spectrometer used to identify hydrous sulphates. 2. Neyveli was identified as a Martian analogue site containing gypsum. 3. The Atacama Desert and Tiruchirappalli Badlands were identified as Martian analogue sites. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Kerala University team identifies Neyveli, Atacama Desert and Tiruchirappalli Badlands as Martian analogue sites

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims· 20 October 2026

Space exploration and geology: a GS3 Science & Technology case study on planetary analogues.

Why in news

A Kerala University research team identified Neyveli, Atacama Desert, and Tiruchirappalli Badlands as Martian analogue sites to study past habitable environments.

Background

The team identified melanterite in Neyveli (Tamil Nadu) and gypsum in the Atacama Desert and Tiruchirappalli Badlands. They used a DST-FIST laser Raman spectrometer to confirm that these hydrous sulphates record water-rock interactions.

Facts for Prelims

S&TDST-FIST: A laser Raman spectrometer used to identify hydrous sulphates in Martian analogue sites
PlaceAtacama Desert: Identified as a Martian analogue site containing gypsum
FactJournal of Geophysical Research: Planets: The publication where the findings on water-rock interactions were released

Prelims practice question

With reference to Martian analogue sites identified by Kerala University, consider the following statements:

The DST-FIST is a laser Raman spectrometer used to identify hydrous sulphates.
Neyveli was identified as a Martian analogue site containing gypsum.
The Atacama Desert and Tiruchirappalli Badlands were identified as Martian analogue sites.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: Neyveli was identified as containing melanterite.

For Mains

Q. Discuss how the study of terrestrial Martian analogue sites contributes to the advancement of planetary exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Scientific methodology: Using terrestrial hydrous sulphates to model Martian water-rock interaction history
Mission planning: Utilizing analogue sites to calibrate instrumentation for future planetary exploration missions

Keywords: Martian analogue · hydrous sulphates · water-rock interaction · planetary exploration · geophysical research

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: The Hindu ↗

More Science & Technology notes

IIA scientists generate Doppler velocity images of solar corona using Aditya-L1 satellite data · 20 October 2026
35,000 people join Chalo Yamuna campaign to remove 76,755 kg of waste · 20 October 2026
Japan launches $578 million MMX mission to land rover and lander on Phobos · 20 October 2026
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 achieves first criticality for Bangladesh's national grid · 19 October 2026
Hindi AI responses average only 79.3 per cent accuracy due to retrieval failures · 19 October 2026
BRIC-RGCB receives ₹7 crore grant to develop automated blood-based cervical cancer diagnostic device · 19 October 2026

All Science & Technology current affairs →

Something wrong, or something missing?

Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.

Report a mistake →Ask for something →[email protected]

This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.