Explore Our Affordable Courses

Click Here

Onward, sunward: On India’s mission to study the sun

Context:

A week after ISRO’s successful lunar mission, it launches Aditya-L1, India’s inaugural solar mission.

5 1

Features Description
Aditya L-1 The mission centres on studying the Sun, particularly its upper atmosphere (chromosphere and corona), with a five-year duration aimed at uncovering the intricacies of solar corona heating mechanisms.
Launch Vehicle Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV C-57)
Mission Objective Aditya-L1 endeavours to conduct a comprehensive solar study, encompassing the corona, photosphere, chromosphere, solar emissions, solar winds, flares, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
Primary Payload Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC)
Secondary Payload Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS), Aditya Solar wind Particle EXperiment (ASPEX), Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA)
Purpose
  • Solar Wind Exploration: Aditya-L1’s mission to decode the mysteries of the solar wind.
  • Space Weather Insights: Uncovering the effects of solar wind on space weather and spacecraft technology.
  •  Coronal Heating Enigma: Investigating the puzzling phenomenon of the Sun’s outer layer being much hotter than its surface.
L 1 Point
  • L1 point, or Lagrange Point 1, is a stable location in space.
  • It’s where Earth and the Sun’s gravitational forces balance.
  • Positioned approximately 1.5 million kilometres from Earth.
  • Provides a stable platform for space missions.
Importance of L-1 L1 point offers an uninterrupted view of the Sun, including during events like eclipses, enabling direct solar observations and enhancing mission fuel efficiency.

Comparative Analysis : Aditya-L1 and Other Solar Missions

  • NASA’s Parker Solar Probe: Focused on solar corona and solar wind acceleration.
  • Helios 2 Solar Probe: Proximity to the Sun’s surface in 1976.
  • Solar Orbiter (ESA and NASA Joint Mission): Investigates the Sun’s role in shaping the solar system’s space environment.
  • Other Active Sun-Monitoring Spacecraft: ACE, IRIS, WIND, Hinode, Solar Dynamics Observatory, STEREO.

Conclusion

  • Aditya-L1 exemplifies India’s formidable entry into solar exploration.
  • Its mission objectives span the spectrum of solar phenomena, from unravelling the mysteries of solar wind to tackling the Coronal Heating Problem.

News Source: The Indian Express

To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.

/*
*/

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Download October 2024 Current Affairs.   Srijan 2025 Program (Prelims+Mains) !     Current Affairs Plus By Sumit Sir   UPSC Prelims2025 Test Series.    IDMP – Self Study Program 2025.

 

THE MOST
LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

      

Download October 2024 Current Affairs.   Srijan 2025 Program (Prelims+Mains) !     Current Affairs Plus By Sumit Sir   UPSC Prelims2025 Test Series.    IDMP – Self Study Program 2025.

 

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.