by Gillian McDade
A student has named a crater on Mercury after the late Bellaghy born poet Seamus Heaney.
Jack Wright from Belfast was given the honour of naming the crater.
He identified it while mapping a section of the planet as part of his research for his PhD with the Open University.
The naming of Heaney follows a custom of naming craters on Mercury after deceased artists, authors and poets.
The crater’s name was announced at the 48th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston, to coincide with World Poetry Day.
Bellaghy's HomePlace - the arts centre which celebrates the life and work of the late Seamus Heaney.
The family of the late Seamus Heaney pictured at HomePlace's official opening last September.
Man in 90s dies following Co Down road crash
Police to increase patrols after second incident of shots being fired in Belfast
Woman charged over theft of campaigner’s car ‘must stay out of Belfast’
Bluetongue restrictions in Northern Ireland will be relaxed from Friday
Conviction led to safeguarding review at Presbyterian Church