PAPA Payload Aboard Aditya-L1 Detects Solar Wind Impact of Coronal Mass Ejections

Context: 

Recently, the Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA) payload onboard the Aditya-L1 detected solar wind impact of Coronal Mass Ejections.

PAPA Payload

PAPA Payload: Plasma Analyser Package For Aditya

  • PAPA payload is an energy and mass analyzer.
  • Purpose: Designed for in-situ measurements of solar wind electrons and ions in the low energy range. 

What Are Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)?

  • Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona into space. 
  • CMEs often look like huge, twisted ropes, which scientists call “flux ropes.”
  • Frequency of Occurrence: It varies with the year’s solar cycle, (during solar minimum & Solar maximum).
  • Effect:  Various ground- and space-based technologies, including satellites, on the Earth. 
  • Their magnetic fields merge between the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and geomagnetic field lines. This can result in significant increases in the rate of energy transfer from the solar wind and the magnetosphere
    • Because of this, CMEs are among the most important drivers of geomagnetic storms and substorms
    • These substorms cause the beautiful northern and southern auroral light often seen in the night sky at high latitudes.
  • Wide range of plasma temperatures: It exhibits from cold chromospheric material (around 104 K) to hot plasma (around 107 K). 
  • As CMEs propagate through space, various processes can exchange energy, including electrical, kinetic, potential, and thermal, which can either heat or cool the plasma within them. 
  • Significance of Studying CMEs: For assessing their impact on Earth’s communication systems.

Aditya L-1 Mission

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).
Launch Vehicle: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV C-57)
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/ Lagrange Point 1: 

  • It 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.

 

Also Read: CE20 Cryogenic Engine Clears Human Rating Test

News Source: The Hindu

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