Isro’s solar odyssey

Source– The post is based on the article “Isro’s solar odyssey” published in the “Business Standard” on 26th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Awareness in the field of space

News– The Indian Space Research Organisation is all set to launch the Aditya-L1 mission, dedicated to studying the Sun. It’ll be launched by ISRO’s PSLV rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR in Sriharikota.

What are the various details about the Aditya-L1 mission?

The Indian Space Research Organisation intends to position the observatory within a halo orbit encircling the first Lagrangian point (L1) within the Sun-Earth system. It is situated approximately 1.5 million km from Earth.

The journey will span nearly four months, and the mission’s planned duration extends to five years.

Lagrange points are locations in space where the gravitational forces of two celestial bodies, such as the Sun and Earth, balance the centripetal force necessary for a small object to move synchronously with them.

This phenomenon assists a spacecraft in minimising fuel consumption required to maintain its position.

Among the five Lagrange points, three are unstable (L1, L2, and L3), while two (L4 and L5) are stable.

A satellite positioned in the halo orbit around the L1 point offers a major advantage related to uninterrupted observation of the Sun without encountering any occultation or eclipse.

Through the Aditya L1 mission, ISRO scientists will scrutinise the Sun’s corona, and comprehend the mechanisms underlying the corona’s unusually high temperatures.

The mission’s objectives also encompass investigating the origins of solar wind and its implications on the heliosphere.

The observatory will delve into the study of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), massive ejections of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s surface.

Why is ISRO taking this ambitious mission?

The Sun functions as a dynamic laboratory for investigating various stellar phenomena. These include nuclear fusion, magnetic field dynamics, and the generation of solar wind.

The examination of the Sun’s interior using techniques like helioseismology provides valuable data for refining models of stellar evolution. These understandings contribute to our comprehension of the broader universe.

Missions dedicated to studying the Sun shed light on its role in shaping the potential habitability of planets within our solar system.

The fluctuations in the Sun’s energy emissions can exert long-term effects on Earth’s climate patterns. Scrutinizing these variations aids scientists in enhancing climate models and comprehending the interplay between solar radiation and atmospheric processes.

Intense releases of electromagnetic energy and particles can temporarily disrupt the upper atmosphere of Earth. it can lead to interference with signal transmissions.

Coronal Mass Ejections have the potential to cause electromagnetic and ground-level electrical disturbances, potentially harming power grids.

Preparedness and protective measures can be taken by individuals and organisations when provided with advance information about such events. The Aditya L1 mission represents a step toward this objective.

Comprehending these processes offers insights into the realm of plasma physics.

The data and information gathered from the Aditya L1 mission will have practical implications for space operations and terrestrial technology, ranging from optimising satellite functions to enhancing the accuracy of GPS systems.