Context:
Recently, ISRO said Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA) payload detected solar wind impact of coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA):
- An energy and mass analyser designed for in-situ measurements of solar wind electrons and ions in the low energy range
- Developed by – ISRO
- It has 2 sensors –
- SWEEP – The Solar Wind Electron Energy Probe
- SWICAR – The Solar Wind Ion Composition Analyser
- Uses of sensors –
- To measure the direction of arrival of solar wind particles.
- For continuous observations of solar wind electrons and ions.
- Demonstrations of their performance as per the design in all modes of operations.
- Advantages –
- Monitor space weather conditions through observations
- Detect and analyse solar phenomena
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs):
- Discovered in – 1971
- Established solar-terrestrial relations importance in – 1980s.
- Consists of – Massive clouds of solar plasma and magnetic field lines
- Accompanies solar flares and filament eruptions
- Speed – 1000 km/h
- Primarily detected using – Coronagraphs aboard spacecraft such as SOHO and STEREO
- Not all CMEs interact with Earth, but those that do can cause disruptions to satellite communications and power grids.
- Halo CMEs – Earth-directed CMEs visible as rings in white-light coronagraph observations.
- Disadvantages – Leads to geomagnetic storms, aurorae, and in extreme cases, damage to electrical power grids.
Read more about: XPoSat
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
If a major solar storm (solar-flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions
3. Power grids could be damaged
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Option 2 is not correct:
Solar flares can temporarily alter the upper atmosphere creating disruptions. But it does not cause Tsunamis. It only affects the upper atmosphere.
Option 5 is not correct:
There is no link between the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and the deadly forest fires.
