The May solar storm was the strongest one seen in a while
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a remarkable feat by capturing detailed images of the solar storm that occurred in May. These images, taken by the Aditya L-1 satellite, offer unprecedented insight into solar activities. Aditya L-1’s mission is dedicated to observing the Sun and has been operational since its launch.
Image: ISRO
Aditya L-1’s mission and capabilities
Aditya L-1, India’s pioneering solar mission, is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments like the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) and the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC). These instruments were crucial in capturing the solar storm’s intensity, which was characterized by significant activity in the Active Region AR13664, one of the largest sunspots in recorded history.
Image: ISRO
The May solar storm and its impact
The solar storm, which took place from May 8 to 15, resulted in intense X-class and M-class flares. ISRO’s observations during this period were pivotal, with the instruments on Aditya L-1 providing comprehensive data, including images and measurements of the solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). The strongest solar storm in decades hit Earth over the weekend of May 18, and while it did not cause significant damage, it highlighted the importance of monitoring solar activity.
Image: Canva
Mg II k line (NB3)
This image shows the bright, active regions on the Solar disk. These regions are magnetically active areas on the Sun’s surface, where large solar flares may originate due to changes in the magnetic field. The image captures the Sun moving towards solar maximum, which is a period of enhanced solar activity.
Image: ISRO
Mg II h line
Similar to the Mg II k line, this image focuses on the chromosphere, a layer above the Sun’s surface. It helps study solar flares and energy distribution, particularly how the solar flares heat up the chromosphere and how the energy is deposited. When combined with the Mg II k line, it provides a measurement for the density of the local plasma
Image: ISRO
Narrow Band 276 nm
Lit up in a striking lime green colour, this image targets the chromosphere, specifically the blue wing of the Mg II valley. It’s focused on solar flares, sunspots, and energy transfer, which are useful for understanding and predicting space weather. The effect of solar flares deeper in the chromosphere is also observed, combined with the Mg II k line to provide information about long-term solar activity variations.
Image: ISRO
Narrow Band 283 nm
Similar to the 276 nm band, this image studies the chromosphere’s red wing of the Mg II valley. It examines solar flares, sunspots, and energy deposition and transport, showing the effect of solar flares deeper in the chromosphere. The pale lilac colour of the sun is mesmerizing to see.
Image: ISRO
Narrow Band 300 nm
This image, which displays the Sun in an astounding blue colour, examines the upper photosphere and lower chromosphere, looking at energy transfer deeper into the solar atmosphere. It helps understand how energy moves and heats different solar layers.
Image: ISRO
Broad Band 320-360 nm
This image which makes the Sun look Martian with its deep rustic hue represents monitoring of solar activity and UV radiation over a wide wavelength range. It studies the Sun’s overall UV impact and long-term solar behavior, capturing the chromospheric and photospheric UV continuum.
Image: ISRO
Aditya L-1’s observations and global collaboration
The data collected by Aditya L-1 will significantly enhance our understanding of solar phenomena. The images and observations will aid in studying solar flares, energy distribution, and long-term solar variations. The success of Aditya L-1’s observations during the solar storm highlights the potential for global collaboration in space research. The data gathered will benefit scientists worldwide in understanding and predicting space weather.
Image: Canva