Darshan Lalka, a 10th standard student studying in a local high school in Hubli, has made India proud by accurately calculating the density of planet Mars.
With the help of a self-derived formula, DVD-Triquilibrium, he has proved that the density of Mars is 0.96 unit and not 1.0 unit (equivalent to Earth’s density), as it was believed earlier. Interestingly, Darshan’s finding was similar to the observational results of USA’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Accuracy in calculating the density (mass divided by volume) of planets plays a key role in the search for life on other planets. If a planet has less density, chances of finding life on it are remote due to the weak atmosphere prevailing there.
A consortium of the NASA, The Planetary Society of USA and the University of Arizona has honoured Darshan with the Certificate of Merit for his groundbreaking work.
Besides, his name will be etched on the archival disc of the Phoenix Mission to Mars. His name will permanently remain in the history of space exploration.