First Science Result From Aditya L1

The first science result from the Aditya-L1 mission is out. Aditya L1 mission has achieved its first scientific milestone by using its primary payload, the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), to precisely estimate the onset time of a coronal mass ejection from the Sun on July 16.

Key Observations of the Aditya L1 mission

Close-range CME Observation: VELC’s unique spectroscopic data allows scientists to study CMEs near the Sun’s surface, which is usually challenging with visible-light observations alone.
Thermodynamic Insights: VELC helps scientists understand the thermodynamic properties of CMEs close to their source regions on the Sun, offering valuable insights into solar eruptions.

Solar Cycle Monitoring: The Sun is currently approaching the peak of its solar cycle (Cycle No. 25), suggesting an increase in CME activity.
- VELC’s continuous monitoring can yield extensive scientific data about these eruptions.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)

Definition: A Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is a massive release of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s corona into space.
Cause: CMEs are caused by the sudden reconfiguration of the Sun’s magnetic fields, which leads to an explosive release of energy.

- Frequency: CMEs are more frequent during the peak of the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle.
Characteristics: They consist of billions of tons of charged particles (plasma) that travel at speeds of hundreds to thousands of kilometers per second.
Impact on Earth:
Satellite Disruption: CMEs can damage satellite electronics and impact GPS and communication systems.
Geomagnetic Storms: When CMEs interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can cause geomagnetic storms, potentially disrupting power grids and radio communications.
Auroras: CMEs can intensify auroras, creating spectacular light displays near the poles.

About Aditya L1 Mission

Aditya L1 Mission

Launch Date: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Aditya-L1 mission on September 2, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Mission Goal: Aditya-L1 is India’s first dedicated scientific mission to study the Sun.
Payload: The mission’s primary payload, the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), was developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAp), Bengaluru.
Current Orbit: Aditya-L1 was placed in a halo orbit around the Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1) on January 6, 2024.
Mission Lifespan: Aditya-L1 is designed to operate for five years, continuously observing and gathering data on solar phenomena.

Must Read
UPSC Daily Editorials	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store	Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store
Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store	UPSC Test Series 2024
Daily Current Affairs Quiz	Daily Main Answer Writing
Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store