ANS: Aditya L1, India’s first mission to study the Sun, has obtained breathtaking photographs of itself, Earth, and the Moon from its highly elliptical orbit around our planet.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released these captivating images and a selfie taken by Aditya L1, destined for the Sun-Earth L1 point.
The images and selfie were unveiled in a video posted by ISRO, providing a glimpse of the spacecraft’s onboard camera. The footage showcases the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph, a critical instrument that will be used to study the Sun’s corona.
Additionally, the video offers a striking view of one hemisphere of Earth, bathed in the warm glow of sunlight. Notably, the video also highlights a tiny white speck in the frame, which ISRO pointed out as the Moon.
At present, Aditya L1 is undergoing a series of meticulously planned manoeuvres to elevate its orbit and increase its velocity. These manoeuvres are essential as the spacecraft prepares for its crucial slingshot journey toward the Sun. Once injected into the path towards the Sun, Aditya L1 is set to embark on a nearly four-month-long voyage spanning approximately 1.5 million kilometers to reach the L1 point.
The Sun-Earth L1 point is strategically located, offering an unobstructed 24×7 view of the Sun, allowing Aditya L1 to observe and study solar phenomena closely. This mission aims to enhance our understanding of the Sun’s behaviour and its impact on Earth’s climate, communication systems, and space weather.
Aditya L1 represents India’s commitment to advancing space exploration and scientific research in solar studies. The successful capture of images and the spacecraft’s ongoing journey toward the Sun mark significant milestones in this pioneering mission.
The mission’s scientific goals include investigating solar activities, such as solar flares and the solar corona, and understanding the mechanisms behind solar variations. Aditya L1 is expected to provide valuable data that will contribute to better space weather predictions and improve our preparedness for any solar-related events that could impact our planet.
As Aditya L1 continues its mission to unlock the secrets of the Sun, ISRO remains at the forefront of space research and exploration, further cementing India’s position as a key player in the global space community.