Science News

The Indian Space Research Organisation has announced that the XPoSat mission will lift off at 9:10 am using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). This mission is not only India's first dedicated polarimetry mission but also the world's second, following Nasa's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) launched in 2021.

The winter solstice signifies the year's shortest duration of sunlight. In New Delhi, for instance, Time and Date notes that daylight will span just 10 hours, 19 minutes, and 17 seconds, with the sun rising at 7:09 am and setting at 5:29 pm.

The XpoSat mission, utilizing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), is expected to have a lifespan of around five years and will contribute valuable insights into the nature and behaviour of the universe. Girish Linganna explains

India launched its first winter scientific expedition to the Arctic on December 18, 2023, enabling unique observations during polar nights with almost 24 hours of darkness and sub-zero temperatures. The initiative, aimed at expanding understanding of the Arctic, encompasses climate change, space weather, sea-ice dynamics, and more.

Solar flares impact Earth, satellites, and astronauts. X-class flares are the strongest, potentially causing geomagnetic storms. A recent X2.8 flare, the strongest since 2017, affected shortwave radio. Solar radiation storms from flares pose risks to astronauts and satellites

India's ISRO is set to launch its inaugural Venus mission, Shukrayaan-1, aiming to explore the planet's sub-surface characteristics. Venus, once Earth-like, underwent a fiery transformation, experiencing a runaway greenhouse effect. Scorching temperatures and high pressures, make planetary exploration challenging, says Girish Linganna

ISRO has achieved a significant milestone in its Aditya L-1 mission, dedicated to studying the Sun's secrets and its impact on space weather dynamics. The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) on Aditya L-1 successfully operated its shutter, capturing the Sun's complete disk in the 200-400 nm wavelength range. Girish Linganna explains

Girish Linganna explains the significance of the successful capture of initial complete images of the Sun's disk by the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) on the Aditya L-1 spacecraft. SUIT, activated on November 20, 2023. The images reveal sunspots, plage, and quiet Sun regions, offering insights into solar dynamics. 

The NASA-ISRO collaboration aims to share technological insights and reduce costs, with potential benefits including enhancing India's expertise in human spaceflight, fostering scientific cooperation, and inspiring the younger generation. Girish Linganna explains

The Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) payload onboard India's Aditya-L1 satellite commenced its operations and started performing normally, ISRO said in a statement on Saturday.