Solar Flare Captured by Aditya L1 Mission

Source: TH

Context: ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission captured the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’, marking a significant breakthrough in solar physics research.

• The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) onboard Aditya-L1 recorded the brightening in the Near Ultraviolet (NUV) band, offering new insights into solar flare energy dynamics.

About Aditya-L1:

• What is Aditya-L1?

• India’s first space-based solar mission, launched to study the Sun’s outer layers and solar activity. Positioned at Lagrange Point L1, about 1.5 million km from Earth, enabling continuous solar observation without eclipses.

• India’s first space-based solar mission, launched to study the Sun’s outer layers and solar activity.

• Positioned at Lagrange Point L1, about 1.5 million km from Earth, enabling continuous solar observation without eclipses.

• Launched In:

• September 2, 2023, aboard PSLV C-57 rocket. Successfully placed in halo orbit around L1 on January 6, 2024.

• September 2, 2023, aboard PSLV C-57 rocket.

• Successfully placed in halo orbit around L1 on January 6, 2024.

• Aim of the Mission:

• Study solar dynamics, including flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and magnetic field variations. Observe solar radiation and its impact on Earth’s climate and space weather.

• Study solar dynamics, including flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and magnetic field variations.

• Observe solar radiation and its impact on Earth’s climate and space weather.

• What are Solar Flares?

• Sudden bursts of intense energy from the Sun’s atmosphere, caused by magnetic field interactions. Release X-rays, ultraviolet light, and charged particles, which can disrupt satellite communications and power grids on Earth.

• Sudden bursts of intense energy from the Sun’s atmosphere, caused by magnetic field interactions.

• Release X-rays, ultraviolet light, and charged particles, which can disrupt satellite communications and power grids on Earth.

• How Aditya-L1 Studies Solar Flares?

• SUIT (Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope): Captures UV images of the lower solar atmosphere. SoLEXS (Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer) & HEL1OS (High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer): Monitor solar X-ray emissions to detect flares. Continuous observation from L1 provides a real-time picture of solar activity.

• SUIT (Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope): Captures UV images of the lower solar atmosphere.

• SoLEXS (Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer) & HEL1OS (High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer): Monitor solar X-ray emissions to detect flares.

• Continuous observation from L1 provides a real-time picture of solar activity.

About Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT):

• What is SUIT?

• A specialized telescope on Aditya-L1, developed by Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune. Captures high-resolution images in 11 different NUV wavebands, covering the photosphere and chromosphere.

• A specialized telescope on Aditya-L1, developed by Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune.

• Captures high-resolution images in 11 different NUV wavebands, covering the photosphere and chromosphere.

• Recent Observations:

• SUIT detected an X6.3-class solar flare, one of the most intense solar eruptions recorded. Observed brightening in the Near Ultra-Violet (NUV) band (200-400 nm), a wavelength never studied in such detail before. Provided clear evidence of energy transmission from the solar surface to the corona.

• SUIT detected an X6.3-class solar flare, one of the most intense solar eruptions recorded.

• Observed brightening in the Near Ultra-Violet (NUV) band (200-400 nm), a wavelength never studied in such detail before.

• Provided clear evidence of energy transmission from the solar surface to the corona.

• Significance of the Discovery:

• Validates long-standing theories about solar energy transfer. Helps predict solar storms and space weather to protect satellites and power grids. Advances global solar physics research, enhancing our understanding of the Sun’s impact on Earth’s climate.

• Validates long-standing theories about solar energy transfer.

• Helps predict solar storms and space weather to protect satellites and power grids.

• Advances global solar physics research, enhancing our understanding of the Sun’s impact on Earth’s climate.