On September 2, 2023, ISRO launched Aditya-L1 with the goal of observing and advancing our knowledge of the Sun. On January 6, it reaches L1, or the first Sun-Earth Lagrangian point, its destination. This is everything you need to know about the mission, including its significance and the rationale behind its location at the L1 point.
Nuclear fusion occurs inside the Sun to create energy, which is then released from its outer layers. Emitting all visible and infrared light—essential for life—is the photosphere, a layer that is 6,000 degrees Celsius. Higher yet is the million-degree-Ceream hot corona, and above that is the chromosphere. It is noteworthy that the temperature in the corona is far higher than that of the Sun's inner layers; an energy source must be responsible for this heat. The processes involved in this are still not entirely understood, though. Furthermore, it releases X-ray and ultraviolet radiation, which would be fatal to life on Earth if the atmosphere hadn't been there to absorb the majority of hazardous radiation.
Another constant stream emanating from the Sun is the Solar wind, which is made up of electrically charged particles. These charged particles are responsible for creating the magnificent aurorae that are visible around the Earth's north and south poles and are referred to as the Northern and Southern lights.
The terms "Solar flares" and "coronal mass ejections" refer to the abrupt outbursts and ejections of charged particles from the Sun into interplanetary space. In the upper latitudes of Earth, these can cause blackouts of electricity and have a direct impact on space weather and satellite communication networks, among other technologies. Especially since they may be so unpredictable.
It is imperative that this task be completed as close to the Sun as possible and from outside of Earth's atmosphere. As a result, we will be able to minimize any disturbance that solar eruptions may create by taking early warning of them and acting accordingly. Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven devices to monitor all charged particles and radiation. Its placement, 1.5 million kilometers from Earth in the direction of the Sun (more on that later), makes observations possible without interruption.
