Why in news?
Scientists analysing data from ISRO’s Aditya‑L1 spacecraft reported insights into an unusual solar storm that occurred in May 2024. The storm resulted from two large coronal mass ejections (CMEs) colliding and creating a giant magnetic reconnection zone. Aditya‑L1’s magnetometer, working with six US satellites, measured this region to be about 1.3 million km across – almost 100 times the size of Earth. The findings help improve forecasting of space‑weather events.
Background
A solar storm occurs when eruptions on the Sun hurl charged particles and magnetic fields into space. Two main drivers are solar flares and CMEs. When these charged clouds interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can disrupt satellites, power grids and communication systems. Predicting such events is crucial for protecting technology.
About Aditya‑L1
- India’s first solar observatory: Launched in September 2023, Aditya‑L1 orbits around the Lagrange 1 point approximately 1.5 million km from Earth. This halo orbit gives a continuous view of the Sun without Earth’s shadow.
- Instruments: It carries a suite of instruments, including a magnetometer, visible and ultraviolet imagers, and a coronagraph to study the solar corona. The magnetometer detected subtle changes in magnetic fields during the May 2024 storm.
- International collaboration: During the 2024 event Aditya‑L1 data were combined with observations from six US satellites. Together they mapped the enormous reconnection region where colliding CMEs merged their magnetic fields.
Importance of the 2024 observations
- The storm offered a rare chance to study CME–CME interactions, which are poorly understood. Measuring the reconnection region helps scientists refine models of how energy is released during such collisions.
- Improved understanding allows better forecasts of geomagnetic storms that can disrupt power grids and navigation systems on Earth.
- The findings showcase India’s growing capabilities in space science and underscore the value of international cooperation in space‑weather research.
Source: NDTV/Press Trust of India
