Aditya-L1, India’s first space-based solar observatory, has made a groundbreaking discovery by capturing the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’ in the lower solar atmosphere.

About Kernel 

• A solar flare kernel is a localized brightening in the lower solar atmosphere, marking the starting point of a solar flare.

What is a Solar Flare?

• A solar flare is a sudden, intense burst of energy from the Sun’s atmosphere.
• It occurs due to sudden snapping of the Sun’s dynamic magnetic field, releasing energy in the form of light, radiation, and high-energy charged particles.

How Aditya-L1 Studies Solar Flares?

• Brightening in UV and  X-ray: Before and during a solar flare, the affected region of the Sun becomes brighter in ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray wavelengths.
• Observation by Aditya-L1 Instruments: Instruments like SUIT, SoLEXS, and HEL1OS capture these bright flashes and study their characteristics in detail.
• Space-based Study Advantage: Since Earth’s atmosphere blocks harmful solar radiation, studying solar flares is only possible from space-based observatories like Aditya-L1.

Scientific Importance of Studying Solar Flare Kernel

• The brightening observed in the lower atmosphere correlates directly with an increase in plasma temperature in the solar corona.
• This confirms the linkage between energy deposition and temperature evolution in the Sun’s layers.
• The findings offer new insights into solar flare physics, which can improve space weather predictions and help protect satellites and communication networks on Earth.

Findings of Aditya-L1

• The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) payload detected an X6.3-class solar flare, one of the most intense categories of solar eruptions.
• SUIT recorded the flare in the Near Ultra Violet (NUV) wavelength range (200-400 nm), which had never been observed in such detail before.

• The observation confirms that flare energy spreads through different layers of the Sun’s atmosphere, impacting the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona.
• The data enhances our understanding of how solar energy is released and transported, validating long-standing scientific theories.

About Aditya-L1 Mission

• Aditya L1 Mission is first Indian mission dedicated to continuous solar observations
• Launched on: September 2, 2023, by ISRO using a PSLV-XL rocket.
• Objective: To study the Sun’s atmosphere, solar wind, and space weather dynamics.
• Orbit: Placed in a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1) on January 6, 2024.
  • L1 points Provides an uninterrupted view of the Sun.
• Significance of Aditya L1 Mission. 
  • Enables long-term solar observation without interference from Earth’s atmosphere.
  • Positions India among elite space agencies like NASA and ESA in solar research.

Phases of Aditya-L1 Mission

• Phase 1: Earth-Bound Orbits and Manoeuvres
  • Spent 16 days in Earth-bound orbits to gain the necessary velocity.
  • Performed five orbit-raising manoeuvres before transitioning to the next phase.
• Phase 2: Trans-Lagrangian Insertion and Cruise Phase
  • Underwent a Trans-Lagrangian insertion manoeuvre to begin its 110-day journey to L1.
  • Followed a carefully planned trajectory towards the Lagrange Point 1.
• Phase 3: L1 Orbit and Scientific Operations
  • Entered a stable halo orbit around L1.
  • Started continuous monitoring of the Sun with its advanced payloads.

Payloads of Aditya L1

Global Solar Space Programs

• NASA’s Parker Solar Probe (2018): Studies the Sun’s corona and solar winds.
• ESA-NASA Solar Orbiter (2020): Observes the Sun’s poles and magnetic field interactions.
• Helios 2 (1976, NASA & Germany): Early probe that approached within 43 million km of the Sun.
• Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE, 1997): Analyzes solar wind and cosmic rays.

Conclusion

Aditya-L1’s discovery of the solar flare kernel is a major breakthrough in heliophysics. The mission enhances India’s space science capabilities and strengthens global solar research efforts. With future missions planned, India is poised to play a key role in advancing solar physics and space weather forecasting.

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