India's solar observation mission, Aditya-L1, has reported its first significant result by monitoring a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun. Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in September 2023, the spacecraft has been positioned approximately 932,000 miles from Earth since January 2024.
Utilizing its Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) instrument, Aditya-L1 accurately captured data indicating the onset of a CME on July 16. Initially directed towards Earth, the CME was deflected and ultimately did not impact the planet.
R. Ramesh, a professor at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and Principal Investigator of VELC, stated, “Within half an hour of its journey, it got deflected and went in a different direction, going behind the sun. As it was too far away, it did not impact Earth's weather.”
Coronal mass ejections are substantial clouds of solar plasma and magnetic fields expelled from the sun's active regions, such as sunspots. When these clouds collide with Earth's magnetic field, they can trigger geomagnetic storms, potentially affecting power grids and satellites.
Ramesh further explained the challenges in predicting the effects of CMEs on aurora activity, noting that sometimes the impact may not be immediate. The precise monitoring of CME emergence by Aditya-L1 aims to enhance protective measures for power grids and communication satellites.
Aditya-L1, stationed at Lagrange point 1 (L1), is positioned to continuously observe the sun without interference from Earth's shadow. The mission aspires to advance understanding of solar dynamics and improve predictions of space weather events.
Ramesh emphasized the critical role of communication satellites in modern life, warning that CMEs could disrupt internet and phone services, leading to significant chaos. Experts caution that a powerful CME similar to the historic Carrington Event of 1859 could result in extensive damage to today's digital infrastructure, potentially costing trillions in losses.