NASA names planet after Indian zoology professor

CELESTIAL HONOUR: Prof Sainudeen Pattazhy has done some pioneering work in the field of environmental research.

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Kollam: NASA has announced it will name a minor planet after a zoology professor from Kerala.

For Sainudeen Pattazhy, it is recognition for some pioneering work he has done in the field of environmental research.

“I was so happy when NASA informed me on Wednesday evening that my name has been selected for naming a minor planet. It’s known as 5178 Pattazhy. Actually, Rajamohan had discovered it in 1989. He proposed my name and NASA accepted it,” Pattazhy said.

Pattazhy became popular for his study on the red rain phenomenon in Kerala in recent years.

The professor's research proved that the red colour of the rains were due to a geological process and had nothing to do with alien life.

“Regarding red rain, there was an argument that it was alien presence. But that’s just like science fiction. During 2001-02, peculiar geological situation was prevailing in Kerala like caving in of wells and landslides,” he added.

Pattazhy is the first Indian after the legendary scientist Homi J Baba to get his name stamped on a celestial body.