Sriharikota: In a significant breakthrough, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Aditya-L1 spacecraft has captured the first high-energy X-ray glimpse of solar flares. This achievement marks a crucial step forward in our understanding of the Sun’s dynamics and the mechanisms behind these powerful bursts of energy.
The Aditya-L1 mission, launched in July 2023, is India’s first dedicated solar observatory. It is positioned at the first Lagrange point (L1), about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, where it has an unobstructed view of the Sun. The spacecraft carries seven scientific instruments, including the High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS).
HEL1OS is a powerful instrument designed to detect and study X-rays emitted by the Sun during solar flares. These flares are sudden, intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation that can have significant impacts on Earth’s atmosphere and communication systems.
On October 29, 2023, HEL1OS successfully recorded the X-ray signature of a solar flare, providing scientists with the first high-resolution data of this phenomenon. This data will be invaluable in unraveling the mysteries of solar flares and their impact on our planet.
Also Read: ISRO: Aditya L1 Leaves Earth’s Surface of Influence
The ability to observe solar flares in high-energy X-rays is a major leap forward in solar physics. It will allow scientists to:
- Study the acceleration of particles to high energies during solar flares.
- Investigate the mechanisms responsible for the heating of the solar corona to millions of degrees Celsius.
- Better understand the impact of solar flares on Earth’s magnetosphere and atmosphere.
This new understanding of solar flares will have far-reaching implications for space weather forecasting and communication systems. It will also help us to develop better mitigation strategies for protecting satellites and astronauts from the harmful effects of solar radiation.
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