Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT)

Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope Latest News

The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) instrument onboard Aditya-L1 observed an X6.3-class solar flare recently, one of the most intense categories of solar eruptions. 

About Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope

• It is one of the remote sensing payloads on board the Aditya-L1, the first dedicated solar mission of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), that was launched on September 02, 2023.
• It was developed by Pune’s Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in close collaboration with various ISRO Centres.
• SUIT is designed to provide near-simultaneous full-disk and region-of-interest images of the Sun at various heights, slicing through the photosphere and chromosphere.
• It employs an array of 11 scientifically calibrated filters (3 broad-band & 8 narrow-band) strategically positioned within the wavelength range of 200 to 400 nanometers.
• Located at the first Lagrange point, SUIT observes the Sun 24x7, without any interruption.
• The primary scientific objective of SUIT is to scrutinize the dynamic interplay within the magnetized solar atmosphere, delving into the intricacies of energetic phenomena such as jets, flares, filament evolution, and eruptions. 
• Furthermore, SUIT, for the first time ever, will help scientists to measure and monitor the spatially resolved solar spectral irradiance within the wavelength range crucial to comprehend the intricacies of the sun-climate relationship.

What is a Solar Flare?

• A solar flare is a sudden and intense burst of solar energy from the Solar atmosphere. 
• Flares are our solar system’s largest explosive events. 
• They are seen as bright areas in the sun, and they can last from minutes to hours.
• The phenomenon is caused by the Sun's magnetic field. 
  • The magnetic field of the Sun is very dynamic in nature. 
  • Sometimes they suddenly snap and release intense bursts of energy – like a powerful, short flash. 
  • The energy is released in the form of light/radiation and high energy charged particles.
• Although solar flares can be visible in white light, they are often more readily noticed via their bright X-ray and ultraviolet emissions.
• Effect of Solar Flare on Earth:
  • The intense radiation emitted during a solar flare can affect satellite communications, disrupt radio signals, and even pose a risk to astronauts in space.
  • Additionally, the increased solar radiation can lead to geomagnetic storms, which may impact power grids and cause auroras (northern and southern lights) at lower latitudes.

Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope FAQs

Q1. Who made the SUIT telescope?

Ans. It was developed by Pune’s Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA).

Q2. How much did Aditya-L1 cost?

Ans. 3.78 billion Indian rupees ($45.5 million)

Q3. What is the main purpose of Aditya-L1?

Ans. The main purpose of Aditya-L1 is to study the Sun, particularly its outermost layers, and understand its impact on space weather.

Source: IE