Aditya-L1 Second Data Release: Sun Observation Facts
Why in the news
ISRO put out a second batch of scientific data from Aditya-L1, its Sun-watching spacecraft. The release covers the Sun’s outer layers as well as particles and magnetic fields measured near the spacecraft.
Key facts
- The data covers the Sun’s photosphere, chromosphere and corona.
- It also includes in situ particle and magnetic field readings at the first Earth-Sun Lagrange Point (L1).
- Launch: 2 September 2023, aboard PSLV C57.
- Halo orbit insertion at L1: 6 January 2024.
- Location: roughly 1.5 million km from Earth in the direction of the Sun.
- Status: completing its third revolution around L1 while observing the Sun without a break.
Mission timeline
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch | 2 September 2023, PSLV C57 |
| Halo orbit insertion | 6 January 2024, at L1 |
| Distance from Earth | About 1.5 million km towards the Sun |
| Current phase | Third revolution around L1 |
Significance
- The data is a rich resource for studying solar parameters.
- It improves understanding of solar activity, space weather and their effect on Earth.
Exam angle
- Launch vehicle: PSLV C57; agency: ISRO.
- Orbit type: halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point.
- Layers of the Sun studied: photosphere, chromosphere, corona.