Following the recent Total Solar Eclipse, ISRO and ESA are partnering to launch Proba-3 spacecraft, which will use precision formation flying to artificially create solar eclipses in space. This innovative mission will allow for closer study of the Sun's mysterious corona and provide valuable insights into space weather. With cutting-edge technologies and precise coordination, Proba-3 is set to launch via the PSLV from India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Once in orbit, the spacecraft will autonomously perform formation flying, enabling six hours of observation per orbit and bridging the observational gap between the low and high corona.
Proba-3 Mission: Unveiling the Secrets of the Sun with Artificial Solar Eclipses
Following the spectacular Total Solar Eclipse in October 2023, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) are embarking on a groundbreaking mission to launch the Proba-3 spacecraft. This innovative mission will harness precision formation flying technology to create artificial solar eclipses in space, offering scientists unprecedented opportunities to study the Sun's enigmatic corona.
Background: The Importance of Studying the Corona
The corona is the outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere, extending millions of kilometers into space. It plays a crucial role in space weather phenomena that can impact Earth's communications, power grids, and even astronauts in space. However, the corona is notoriously difficult to observe due to the Sun's intense brightness.
Proba-3 Mission: Artificial Solar Eclipses
The Proba-3 spacecraft will be launched into an elliptical orbit around Earth. Once in orbit, it will autonomously perform a complex formation flying maneuver with two separate instruments: Coronagraph 1 and Coronagraph 2.
By positioning Coronagraph 1 slightly ahead of the Sun and Coronagraph 2 precisely behind, Proba-3 will create artificial solar eclipses. During these eclipses, Coronagraph 1 will block the Sun's direct light, allowing Coronagraph 2 to capture detailed images of the corona.
Scientific Objectives
The Proba-3 mission aims to address several fundamental questions about the Sun's corona, including:
By studying the corona in unprecedented detail, Proba-3 will provide valuable insights into these phenomena and improve our understanding of space weather.
Launch and Timeline
The Proba-3 spacecraft is scheduled to launch in 2024 via the PSLV rocket from India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Once in orbit, it will begin its formation flying operations, enabling up to six hours of coronal observations per orbit. The mission is expected to have a lifespan of at least two years.
Top 5 FAQs
What is the purpose of creating artificial solar eclipses?
How long does each artificial eclipse last?
What instruments are used on Proba-3?
When is the Proba-3 mission expected to launch?
What is the scientific significance of the Proba-3 mission?
On Sunday, a unique and frightening weather phenomenon known as asperitas clouds appeared in some areas of Ontario, causing many to stop and take notice. These chaotic-looking formations are rarely seen and are believed to be caused by atmospheric turbulence. The eerie and sinister appearance of these clouds has led many to compare them to something out of a horror movie, making them a perfect fit for the spooky season.
Tropical Storm Milton is rapidly gaining strength and is expected to become a hurricane by Sunday night as it makes its way towards the Gulf Coast and Florida Peninsula. The National Hurricane Center has warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding in the affected areas. Residents in Jacksonville should prepare for tropical storm-force conditions starting Wednesday, with expected rainfall of 5 to 10 inches. Weather experts are closely monitoring the storm's path and intensity to provide more accurate projections for potential impacts in the area.
The Supreme Court will be hearing a petition today regarding the normalisation of marks, answer keys, and results for NEET PG 2024. Students have raised concerns about the transparency of the selection process, while the National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has cited the difficulty of generating new questions as the reason for not releasing answer keys. With experts warning of a potential 'tripledemic' this winter in the UK and India, the transparency of entrance exams becomes even more crucial in ensuring the selection of qualified candidates for medical courses.
After the recent partial lunar eclipse, astronomy enthusiasts are in for another treat - a rare annular solar eclipse, also known as the "ring of fire" eclipse. This astronomical event will take place on October 2 as India commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. The eclipse will be visible over southern Chile and Argentina, with the Moon appearing smaller than the Sun and creating a distinctive "ring of fire" effect in the sky.
A new celestial event, a "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse, will be visible from South America and parts of Hawaii and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans on October 2, 2024. This phenomenon occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, creating a ring-shaped silhouette of sunlight. Skywatchers are advised to use proper eye protection to view the eclipse safely.
Get all the latest science news, opinions, and analysis delivered straight to your inbox every weekday with Nature's daily newsletter. Stay up to date on the newest developments in various fields of science, from biology to technology, and never miss a beat with this essential round-up. Plus, with both online and print options, Nature's newsletter provides convenient access for all readers. Don't fall behind on the latest advancements in the scientific world – sign up for Nature's daily newsletter today.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captures a stunning, high-resolution image of the spiral galaxy IC 1954, located 45 million light-years away. With the help of other telescopes, this image provides crucial information about the process of star formation and the evolution of galaxies. The data from different wavelengths reveals the active regions where stars are being born and provides a foundation for ongoing research into galactic evolution and the forces shaping the universe.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug, Cobenfy, for schizophrenia that is said to have fewer side effects than current medications. This has been a major development for patients like Tiffany who have struggled with severe side effects from traditional antipsychotic drugs. Tiffany shares her personal experience and how this new medication gives her hope for a better quality of life.
As Hurricane Helene bears down on the Gulf Coast, Upstate South Carolina braces for its potential impact. In the past, the Upstate has seen its fair share of hurricane-related damage, including from storms like Fred, Beryl, and Frances. These hurricanes caused various issues, such as tornadoes, flash flooding, and extensive rainfall, resulting in millions of dollars worth of damages. With Hurricane Helene's expected landfall, it's important to remember the potential effects of hurricanes on our local communities and the need for preparedness.