Aditya-L1 findings offer fresh clues to Sun's super-heated corona: Indian scientists
New Delhi, Aug 14
Observations from India's Aditya-L1 solar mission have provided crucial insights into one of solar physics' biggest mysteries: how the Sun's outer atmosphere remains millions of degrees hotter than its surface and retains that heat despite constantly losing vast amounts of energy through solar eruptions, according to Indian researchers.
Scientists studying data from Aditya-L1, India's first dedicated solar observation mission, have reported findings that could help explain the long-standing mystery of why the Sun's corona remains far hotter than its visible surface.
The findings, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, were led by Professor R. Ramesh of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
The study sheds new light on the processes that heat the Sun's outermost atmosphere and replenish energy lost during powerful solar eruptions.
The temperature structure of the Sun has puzzled astrophysicists for decades. While temperatures in the Sun's core reach nearly 15 million degrees Celsius, the visible surface, known as the photosphere, is significantly cooler at around 5,500 degrees Celsius.
Surprisingly, the corona, located much farther from the core, can reach temperatures of around 2 million degrees Celsius and occasionally soar to as high as 40 million degrees Celsius.
This apparent increase in temperature away from the heat source challenges conventional expectations and has remained one of the most enduring unsolved questions in solar science.
The corona is also the birthplace of extreme solar weather events, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
During these eruptions, the Sun ejects enormous amounts of energy and charged particles into space.
Such events can lead to spectacular auroras on Earth but can also disrupt power grids, communication networks, navigation systems and satellites through geomagnetic storms.
According to Prof. Ramesh, the Sun typically produces two to three CMEs each day during periods of low activity. During the peak phase of its 11-year solar cycle, that number can rise to ten or more daily eruptions.
Scientists have long wondered how the corona manages to sustain its immense temperatures despite these frequent energy losses. If the lost energy were not replenished, the Sun would gradually cool, affecting the entire solar system.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm a physics teacher in Mumbai and this is exactly what our students need to see. Real applied research, not just textbook theory. The fact that this breakthrough came from understanding how the corona retains heat despite solar eruptions is remarkable. This will definitely be a case study in my classroom next year.
Great research, but I hope our government also focuses on the practical applications. These findings can help us better predict solar storms that can knock out our satellites and power grids. With our digital India dream, protecting our infrastructure from space weather should be a priority. Research is good, but let's also invest in early warning systems. 🌞
Absolutely phenomenal! This is what happens when you invest in science and don't just copy-paste research from foreign journals. India's space program keeps reaching new heights while also contributing to fundamental human knowledge. Proud of ISRO and the IIA team. The corona mystery has puzzled Einstein himself, and we're cracking it. Jai Hind! 🚀
I'm so glad to see this getting coverage. I remember reading about Aditya-L1's launch and how people wondered if it was worth the money. Now look at the results! But I'll be honest - the article could have explained the science a bit more. What exactly did they observe that was different? I'd love to see a follow-up explaining the actual mechanism they proposed in the journal.
The corona issue is fascinating, but this isn't just academic. The article mentions how solar eruptions can disrupt our power grids, communication, navigation,
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.