Aditya-L1: India's First Dedicated Solar Mission
Aditya-L1 is the pioneering Indian space-based observatory dedicated to studying the Sun. It is significant for its recent groundbreaking observations and contributions to solar research.
Key Achievements
- First Ever Solar Flare 'Kernel' Image:
- The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) on Aditya-L1 captured the first image of a solar flare 'kernel' in the lower solar atmosphere.
- Focus on the photosphere and chromosphere layers of the Sun.
Observations of Solar Flare
- Date of Observation: February 22, 2025.
- Type of Flare Observed: An X6.3-class solar flare, indicating its intense nature.
- Unique Observation:
- Detected brightening in the Near Ultraviolet (NUV) wavelength range (200-400 nm).
- This wavelength range has never been observed in such detail before.
Scientific Insights
- Energy Propagation: Confirms energy release spreads through different layers of the Sun's atmosphere.
- Temperature Increase: Localized brightening in the lower atmosphere linked to increased plasma temperature in the solar corona.
- Validation of Theories: Confirms existing theories and adds new data reshaping our understanding of solar flare physics.
Mission Timeline
- Launch Date: September 2, 2023.
- Orbital Achievement: Successfully placed in a large halo orbit around the first Earth-Sun Lagrange Point (L1) on January 6, 2024.