July 25, 2026 02:00 pm (IST)
NASA names Pluto peaks after Tenzing Norgay
California, July 19 (IBNS): In a proud moment for India, NASA has informally named a region of icy mountains on Pluto after Tenzing Norgay, the Indian Sherpa who reached the summit of Mount Everest along with Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953, reports said.
The icy peaks, which have been named Norgay Montes, are as high as 11,000 feet (3,500 meters) above the surface of the icy body.
Icy mountains on Pluto and a new, crisp view of its largest moon, Charon, are among the several discoveries announced Wednesday by NASA's New Horizons team, just one day after the spacecraft’s first ever Pluto flyby.
The mountains on Pluto likely formed no more than 100 million years ago -- mere youngsters in a 4.56-billion-year-old solar system. This suggests the close-up region, which covers about one percent of Pluto’s surface, may still be geologically active today.
“This is one of the youngest surfaces we’ve ever seen in the solar system,” said Jeff Moore of the New Horizons Geology, Geophysics and Imaging Team (GGI) at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California.
Tenzing's family members told media that they felt honoured by this recognition.
"NASA could have name the mountains after any American legend-its decision to use Tenzing Norgay's name was unexpected," Tenzing's son Jamling was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
'Don't shift him, sack him': Rahul Gandhi's blunt message to PM Modi over Dharmendra Pradhan
Sat, Jul 25 2026
'Don't dictate, engage with youth, build consensus': Mohan Bhagwat amid NEET protest storm
Sat, Jul 25 2026
CJP turns up heat on Centre: 'No point in talks if Dharmendra Pradhan doesn't quit'
Sat, Jul 25 2026
'After 26 days of hunger, do I still need to prove my sincerity?' Sonam Wangchuk hits back at critics
Sat, Jul 25 2026
'Too late!': Kolkata students reject PM Modi's NEET assurance, demand Dharmendra Pradhan's exit
Fri, Jul 24 2026
Amid CJP protest heat, PM Modi tells ministers to connect with youth through Instagram Reels
Fri, Jul 24 2026
Centre stands firm behind Dharmendra Pradhan, rules out resignation despite CJP pressure: Report
Fri, Jul 24 2026
'Supreme Court can never refuse a hearing': CJI Surya Kant clarifies remarks on students' plea
Fri, Jul 24 2026
Big boost for India-Israel trade as FTA talks make key progress
Fri, Jul 24 2026
