|
Aditya-L1 Early Warning Signs of Solar Flares
India’s Aditya-L1 mission detects small, short-lived brightenings in the Sun’s atmosphere hours before major solar flares, clustered around the future flare site.
Aditya-L1 Study:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Study institutions | The study is conducted by the Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), ISRO, and the Department of Space. |
| Pre-flare transient events | Pre-flare transient events are characterised by small, short-lived brightenings in the solar atmosphere that typically appear several hours prior to a major solar flare. |
| Primary detection method | Pre-flare transient events are primarily detected using the Mg II h filter of the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), which observes the chromospheric layer. |
| Spatial clustering | These transients cluster around the exact location where the major flare later occurs. |
| Energy signature | Some transients show corresponding X-ray signatures, indicating magnetic energy release even at this small scale. |
| Interpretation of trigger mechanism | Repeated small-scale energy releases progressively destabilise the magnetic field within an active region, ultimately triggering a major solar flare. |
| Instrument set used together | Simultaneous use of UV (SUIT) and X-ray (SoLEXS, HEL1OS) data provides the observation set for the findings. |
| SUIT: filters and observation range | SUIT observes the Sun using 11 near-ultraviolet (NUV) filters and probes layers ranging from the upper photosphere to the chromosphere. |
| SUIT: need for space-based observation | Because near-ultraviolet (NUV) radiation is largely blocked by Earth’s atmosphere, space-based observation is essential. |
| SoLEXS and HEL1OS: function | SoLEXS and HEL1OS are X-ray spectrometers that measure X-ray emission resulting from energetic processes in the solar corona. |
| SoLEXS and HEL1OS: correlation role | SoLEXS and HEL1OS facilitate correlation of lower atmospheric activity in the chromosphere with coronal energy release during flare development. |
| L1 orbit advantage | L1 orbit advantage provides continuous monitoring that enables tracking of pre-flare evolution without data gaps. |
| Early warning indicator | Transient brightenings occurring hours before flares indicate potential pre-flare activity. |
| Forecasting utility | Verified transient events may serve as reliable indicators of impending flares. |
| Operational relevance | Accurate flare prediction enhances preparedness for impacts on Earth and in near-Earth space, supports precautionary measures to protect spacecraft, reduces disruptions to radio, GPS, and satellite services, and helps mitigate radiation hazards for astronauts and space missions. |