KATHMANDU: The US Geological Survey (USGS), America’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, has named a crater at the Moon’s South Pole after the first Nepali woman to summit Mt. Everest, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa.
“Pasang Lhamu Sherpa was the first Nepalese woman to summit Everest and now has a crater named for her on the summit of an important lunar South Pole mountain,” the USGS announced. The announcement was made after the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the internationally recognized authority for naming celestial bodies and their surface features, approved the name of the crater as ‘Lhamu Crater’ on July 29.
Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa, husband of the late Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, expressed their happiness, saying, “We are very happy with the recognition of her name by the USGS and the IAU for naming a crater ‘Lhamu’ on the Moon’s South Pole.”
On April 22, 1993, Pasang Lhamu created mountaineering history by becoming the first Nepalese woman to successfully scale the world’s highest peak. Tragically, she died on the descent near the south summit of Mt. Everest due to severe weather conditions.
In Nepal, Pasang Lhamu has been honored as a National Luminary. The government has named Jasamba Mountain (7,315m) in the Mahalangur Range as Pasang Lhamu Mountain and the 117 km-long highway from Trishuli to Dhunche as Pasang Lhamu Highway. Additionally, postage stamps have been issued in her name.
This recognition not only highlights Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’s significant contribution to mountaineering but also strengthens the cultural and scientific ties between Nepal and the USA. The naming of the lunar crater serves as a symbol of international respect and admiration for Nepal’s rich mountaineering heritage.
This astronomical honor also underscores the collaborative spirit between the USA and Nepal in promoting tourism, mountaineering, and scientific research.