Astronomer Brad Smith says Mars’ Mount Sharp Not Really Called That

The World
The World

NASA scientists are preparing the robotic rover Curiosity to begin exploring the surface of Mars.

Earlier this week, the craft landed on the red planet, in Gale Crater near a peak some have called Mount Sharp.

Astronomer Brad Smith, of the International Astronomical Union, explains to anchor Lisa Mullins how geographical features on Mars are named.

Smith also talks about why “Mount Sharp”—near where NASA’s rover Curiosity landed – is not an official moniker.

The mountain at the center of Gale Crater is called “Aeolis Mons.”

Will you support The World today?

The story you just read is available for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

Make a gift today, and you’ll get us one step closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by June 14. We need your help now more than ever!