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

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.

News Source: The Hindu