The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced a groundbreaking achievement with its Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) aboard the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, capturing the first-ever full-disk images of the Sun. These pioneering images, taken in the 200-400 nm wavelength range using various scientific filters, have provided scientists with an extraordinary view of the sun's photosphere and chromosphere.
"After a successful power-up on November 20, 2023, and a meticulous pre-commissioning phase, the SUIT telescope unveiled its first light science images on December 6, 2023," stated an ISRO release.
The captured images, employing eleven distinct filters, showcased sunspots, plage, and the serene regions of the Sun. These visuals offer unprecedented insights into the intricate details of the sun's dynamic photosphere and chromosphere.
The SUIT observations are poised to play a pivotal role in scientific studies, enabling researchers to delve into the dynamic interaction between the magnetized solar atmosphere and Earth's climate. This endeavor will allow scientists to establish stringent parameters on how solar radiation influences Earth's climate, shedding light on space weather phenomena.
Aditya-L1, India's maiden space mission dedicated to solar studies, was launched by ISRO on September 2. Positioned in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system at a distance of around 15 lakh km from Earth, this spacecraft's strategic placement enables continuous, uninterrupted observations of the Sun. This vantage point grants an unparalleled opportunity for real-time observation of solar activities and their impact on space weather, promising valuable insights for scientific exploration.
