Aditya-L1 Mission: Observations of Flareless Coronal Mass Ejection

1. Mission Overview

• • Aditya-L1: India’s first scientific mission dedicated to studying the Sun.
  • VELC Instrument: Developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), it is designed to observe the solar corona.

2. Recent Observations

• •  Flareless Coronal Mass Ejection (CME): Scientists reported the observation of a CME that occurred on July 5, 2024, with no associated solar flare.
  • Data Collection: The VELC payload allows for closer observation of the solar corona and shorter data collection intervals compared to existing coronagraphs.

3. Scientific Significance

• •  Understanding CMEs: The data helps differentiate between magnetic instabilities that cause solar flares and CMEs.
  • Research Publication: Results will be published in the Astrophysical Journal.

4. Importance of Monitoring

• •  Solar Cycle 25: As the Sun approaches its maximum phase, increased CME activity is expected.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Uninterrupted observation with VELC is crucial for gathering valuable data for both Indian and international scientific communities.

5. Characteristics of Flares and CMEs

• •  Flares: Explosive events releasing energy primarily as electromagnetic radiation.
  • CMEs: Massive eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields, weighing about a trillion kilograms, that can travel at speeds up to 3,000 km/s.

6. Research Goals

• •  Major Science Goals: Observing CMEs as they originate and understanding their relationship with solar flares.
  • Unique Design of VELC: Facilitates better investigation of CMEs and their onset times near the solar limb.

Link To The Original Article – https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/aditya-l1-mission-iia-scientists-report-observations-of-a-flareless-coronal-mass-ejection-from-the-solar-atmosphere/article69330587.ece