Aditya-L1 and Proba-3: Joint Study of Solar Eruptions

Context: Scientists from Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and collaborating institutions combined observations from India’s Aditya-L1 and Europe’s Proba-3 missions to study Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). This joint observation helps scientists understand the physical properties, structure and movement of solar eruptions and improve space-weather forecasting.

What Are Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)?

Definition:

• Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are large-scale eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

• They release enormous quantities of solar material into interplanetary space.

• When directed towards Earth, CMEs can interact with Earth’s magnetic field and trigger geomagnetic storms.

Effects of Earth-Directed CMEs:

• Satellites: Can disrupt satellite operations and damage sensitive electronic systems.

• Communication: May interfere with radio communication.

• Navigation: Can affect GPS and other satellite-based navigation systems.

• Power Grids: Strong geomagnetic storms can induce currents in power transmission networks.

• Astronauts and Spacecraft: Increased radiation exposure can pose risks to astronauts and space missions.

How Did Aditya-L1 and Proba-3 Work Together?

The two missions use complementary instruments to study different aspects of solar eruptions.

Aditya-L1 (ISRO):

• Agency: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• Instrument: VELC (Visible Emission Line Coronagraph).

• Function: Analyses light emitted by the solar corona to investigate the physical properties of CMEs.

• Key Measurements: Helps estimate plasma temperature and density.

• Contribution: Captures eruptions close to the Sun and helps scientists understand their initial development.

Proba-3 (ESA):

• Agency: European Space Agency (ESA).

• Instrument: ASPIICS (Association of Spacecraft for Polarimetric and Imaging Investigation of the Corona of the Sun).

• Function: Captures detailed images of the solar corona and tracks the structure and movement of CMEs.

• Technology: Uses two spacecraft flying in precise formation to create an artificial solar eclipse.

• Contribution: Provides detailed observations of the corona and the evolution of solar eruptions.

How the Instruments Complement Each Other:

• ASPIICS: Provides images to study the shape, structure and movement of CMEs.

• VELC: Analyses emitted light to estimate physical properties such as temperature and density.

• Combined Observations: Help scientists estimate the temperature, density and mass of solar ejecta and develop a more complete understanding of CMEs.

Major Scientific Findings

• Joint Observations: VELC and ASPIICS jointly observed two CMEs on 14 and 16 September 2025.

• Early-Stage Monitoring: VELC captured the eruptions close to the Sun, providing information about their initial development.

• Physical Properties: Combined observations helped scientists estimate the plasma temperature, density and mass.

• Improved Understanding: The observations demonstrate the scientific value of combining coronagraphic imaging and spectroscopic measurements to investigate solar eruptions.

Significance of the Joint Study

Improved Space-Weather Forecasting:

• Better understanding of CME properties can improve assessments of their potential impact on Earth.

• Helps scientists investigate the likelihood and severity of geomagnetic storms.

Protection of Space Infrastructure:

• Supports preparedness for potential disruptions to satellites, communication systems and navigation services.

• Provides useful information for managing risks to spacecraft and astronauts.

Protection of Power Infrastructure:

– Better space-weather assessment can help power-grid operators prepare for severe geomagnetic disturbances.

Advancement of Solar Physics:

• Improves understanding of the Sun’s corona, solar plasma and magnetic activity.

• Demonstrates how complementary instruments can provide a more complete picture of solar eruptions.

International Scientific Cooperation:

• Highlights cooperation between India’s ISRO and Europe’s ESA in solar research.

• Shows how observations from different space missions can be combined to advance scientific understanding.

Important Facts About the Missions

Aditya-L1:

• Country: India.

• Agency: ISRO.

• Launch Date: 2 September 2023.

• Mission Type: India’s first dedicated solar mission.

• Location: Operates in a halo orbit around the Sun–Earth L1 point.

• Relevant Instrument: VELC — Visible Emission Line Coronagraph.

• Primary Purpose: To study the Sun, including its corona, solar activity and related phenomena.

Proba-3:

• Region: Europe.

• Agency: European Space Agency (ESA).

• Launch Date: 5 December 2024.

• Mission Type: Precision formation-flying solar observation mission.

• Spacecraft: Consists of two spacecraft flying in precise formation.

• Key Technology: Creates an artificial solar eclipse to observe the solar corona.

• Relevant Instrument: ASPIICS.

• Primary Purpose: To investigate the solar corona and improve understanding of solar phenomena.