The Aditya-L1 solar mission discovery is set to protect power grids and satellites from solar storms
The Aditya-L1 solar mission has made a significant contribution to space science by revealing data that could help protect Earth’s infrastructure from solar storms. Launched by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) earlier this year, the spacecraft proved its worth by detecting the onset of a coronal mass ejection (CME), an explosion charged particles from the Sun. The achievement could lead to more reliable early warnings of solar storms, which are known to disrupt power grids, satellites and communications systems.
Aditya-L1, named after the Sun god in Hindu mythology, is currently part of a select group of solar missions operated by space agencies such as NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). . Located beyond Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft provides an uninterrupted view of the Sun, allowing for continuous monitoring without interference from eclipses or other obstacles on Earth.
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CMEs and their impact on Earth’s systems
A CME is a massive explosion that can release up to a trillion kilograms of material, moving at speeds of up to 3,000 kilometers per second. These eruptions can cover the distance of 150 million kilometers from the Sun to Earth in just 15 hours. Depending on its path, a CME could disrupt Earth’s magnetic field and cause widespread problems for technology on the ground. Aditya-L1’s ability to accurately detect CMEs during a recent event demonstrates its potential in monitoring these solar phenomena.
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The role of Velc musical instrument
The key factor behind this success is the Velc device, a spinning wheel designed to simulate a solar eclipse. While ground-based observations often miss subtle details, Velc blocked out the Sun’s brightest layer to reveal the faint but important outer corona. This allows Aditya-L1 to continuously monitor solar activity and detect CMEs as they form. The instrument’s ability to provide a clear and uninterrupted view of the solar corona ensures that no CME is missed, buying valuable time for Earth’s infrastructure to prepare for any potential disruptions.
