Understanding Aditya-L1 Mission and its Significance
Aditya-L1: India’s Sun-Study Mission
Aditya-L1 is India’s pioneering mission dedicated to studying the Sun and its various phenomena. Launched on September 2, 2023, the craft reached its destination on January 6, 2024. Placed at the strategic ‘L1’ or ‘Lagrange point 1’, Aditya-L1 enjoys an unobstructed view of the Sun from a vantage point located 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth.
The Need for Space-Based Sun Studies
While the Sun is visible from the ground, conducting continuous studies from Earth is challenging due to the day-night cycle. Ground-based observatories face limitations in observing the Sun round-the-clock, necessitating multiple stations across the globe. However, data collected from different observatories may vary due to equipment differences and atmospheric factors.
Layers of the Sun and Solar Eclipse Phenomenon
The Sun comprises the Photosphere, Chromosphere, and Corona. During a solar eclipse, when the Moon covers the Sun’s Photosphere, scientists can study the faint light emitted by the Corona. Solar eclipses, occurring once every few years, provide a unique opportunity to explore the Sun’s outermost layer.
Significance of Studying the Solar Corona
Studying the Solar Corona is crucial due to its dynamic nature and phenomena like Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). CMEs, involving high-speed charged particles ejected from the Sun, can impact satellites, causing geomagnetic storms and phenomena like the Northern and Southern Lights.
Aditya-L1’s Role in Solar Observation
Aditya-L1 employs the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) to block the Sun’s bright light and focus on studying the Solar Corona, akin to a solar eclipse. Positioned at the L1 point, Aditya-L1 creates a ’24/7 Solar Eclipse’ scenario, enabling continuous monitoring of the Sun’s Corona for insights into solar activities.
Future Implications of Aditya-L1 Mission
Through advanced instruments like the Polarimeter, Aditya-L1 aims to predict solar phenomena such as sunspots eruptions and CMEs, aiding in satellite protection and space weather forecasting.