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Aditya-L1 mission: scientists observe a flareless coronal mass ejection

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(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5)

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

  • On July 5, 2024, scientists observed a flareless coronal mass ejection (CME) using Aditya-L1’s VELC, improving understanding of solar magnetic instabilities.

Observation of a Flareless CME

  • This observation provides crucial insights into magnetic instabilities that cause both flares and CMEs.

  • The results of this study will be published in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Importance of CME Monitoring

  • With the sun approaching the peak of Solar Cycle 25, CMEs are expected to become more frequent.

  • The continuous monitoring of the sun with VELC will provide valuable data for both Indian and global scientific communities.

  • The unique design of VELC helps in studying CMEs close to the sun’s surface, improving understanding of their association with solar flares.

Nature of CMEs and Solar Flares

  • Solar flares and CMEs are powerful explosions on the sun caused by magnetic reconnection.

  • Solar flares release energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation from heated plasma.

  • CMEs involve the massive ejection of plasma and magnetic fields, weighing about a trillion kilograms and moving at speeds up to 3,000 km/s.

  • The connection between CMEs and solar flares is not yet fully understood, making continuous observation essential.

About Aditya-L1 Mission:

Aditya L-1 Mission

  • India’s First Solar Mission: Aditya-L1 is India’s first space mission dedicated to studying the Sun.

  • Location: Placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1.5 million km from Earth.

  • Main Goal: To study the Sun’s corona, solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and solar winds.

  • VELC Instrument: The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) observes solar activity and helps predict space weather.

  • Continuous Sun Monitoring: The L1 position allows uninterrupted observation of the Sun without Earth’s shadow.

  • Scientific Importance: Helps understand solar storms and their impact on satellites, power grids, and communication systems on Earth.

Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the Aditya-L1 mission in understanding solar activity and its impact on space weather. How does it contribute to scientific advancements? (150 Words /10 marks)

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