Study reveals early warning signs of solar flares from sun's atmosphere
A new study has identified small, short-lived brightenings in the sun's atmosphere as early warning signs for major solar flares. These 'transient events' appear hours before a flare erupts and cluster around the eventual eruption spot. The research, conducted by scientists from Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and ISRO, used simultaneous ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray observations from Aditya-L1 mission's SUIT, SOLEXS, and HELIOS payloads. The findings provide valuable insights into the physical processes triggering solar flares, moving scientists closer to reliable flare forecasting, which will aid space weather prediction and protect satellites and communication systems.
Key Points
- Small, short-lived brightenings in the sun's atmosphere are identified as early warning signs for major solar flares.
- These 'transient events' appear hours before a flare eruption and cluster around the eruption site.
- The study utilized simultaneous UV and X-ray observations from Aditya-L1 mission's SUIT, SOLEXS, and HELIOS payloads.
- The findings offer insights into the physical processes that trigger solar flares.
- Improved flare forecasting will contribute to better space weather prediction and protection of space assets.
Exam Facts
- The study was carried out by researchers from Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and ISRO.
- The Aditya-L1 mission's payloads used were SUIT (Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope), SOLEXS (Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer), and HELIOS (High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer).
- SUIT observed the sun in 11 near-ultraviolet (NUV) filters.
- NUV wavelengths are largely inaccessible from ground-based observations due to Earth's atmosphere.
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