Cosmic Connection: Aditya-L1 & JEE

Looking at the next ISRO mission through JEE lens!

Here, at Salher, we enjoy looking at extraordinary achievements through the lens of education. Afterall if you can connect what you learn with real life applications your fundamentals become way stronger. So brace yourselves, students, because ISRO’s next Aditya-L1 Mission is about to take you on an interstellar ride that aligns perfectly with your Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics curriculum!

What is Aditya-L1 mission?

The Aditya L1 Mission is India's pioneering space-based solar observatory designed to study the Sun. Positioned at the Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth, it enjoys an uninterrupted view of the Sun without eclipses. The mission aims to unlock the Sun's mysteries through seven scientific payloads, observing the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona using electromagnetic and particle detectors. If you want to go through all the objectives of this mission, you can find them here.

What does it have to do with JEE?

Oh, what you study while preparing for JEE has a lot of connections with real-world applications such as this Aditya-L1 mission. Let’s have a look at some of the connections —

Gravitation and Lagrange Points

Physics Unit 6 - Gravitation

From Wikipedia

Lagrange Point 1 (L1) is a unique location in space where the gravitational forces of two celestial bodies, in this case, the Sun and the Earth, create a delicate balance. The Sun's gravitational pull and the Earth's gravitational pull essentially cancel each other out at this point, resulting in a stable region where a spacecraft can maintain its position with minimal propulsion effort. Aditya L1 capitalizes on this gravitational equilibrium to station itself about 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth, directly in line with the Sun. This positioning offers an unobstructed view of the Sun, free from the shadow of the Earth or any other celestial body.

Thermodynamics and Solar Temperature

Physics Unit 8: Thermodynamics

In your Thermodynamics class, you've explored heat flow and energy transfer. Aditya L1's suite of scientific instruments will enable scientists to capture this intricate heat journey within the Sun. Just as heat flows from hot to cold, the Sun's core radiates energy outward, heating its outer layers and eventually generating the visible light and heat that reach us on Earth. By observing the temperature variations across different layers of the solar atmosphere, the mission will provide valuable insights into how thermodynamic processes shape the Sun's structure and behavior.

Electromagnetic Radiation and Solar Spectra

Physics Unit 15: Electromagnetic Waves

The Sun emits more than just visible light – it's a mix of electromagnetic waves, from radio waves to X-rays. When you learn about these waves in your Physics class, the Aditya L1 Mission lets you see them in action. Using a tool called the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), scientists want to image the Solar Photosphere and Chromosphere in near Ultra-violet (UV) and, to measure the solar irradiance variations in near UV.

D-block Elements and Solar Spectra

Chemistry Unit 16: D- and F-Block Elements

As the Sun emits light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation, this energy carries a wealth of information about the elements present in the Sun's composition. When this light is broken down into its component colors, or spectrum, distinct lines appear – known as spectral lines – which correspond to the unique energy transitions of different elements.

Here's where the d-block elements come into play. These elements, situated in the middle of the periodic table, contribute significantly to the Sun's spectral lines. The analysis of these spectral lines, particularly those associated with the d-block elements, helps unveil the chemical composition of the Sun.

P-block Elements and Solar Atmosphere

Chemistry Unit 15: P-Block Elements

The p-block elements contribute to processes like heating, cooling, and ionization within the Sun's atmosphere. As the Sun's energy moves from its core outward, these elements influence the behaviors and interactions of the surrounding plasma. This, in turn, leads to the formation of various features like the chromosphere and the corona.

Aditya L1's observations enable scientists to explore these atmospheric layers and understand how p-block elements drive the Sun's dynamic nature. By studying the Sun's surface and outer layers, the mission provides insights into phenomena like solar flares, prominences, and eruptions – all influenced by the interplay of these elements.

Calculus and Trajectory Calculation

Mathematics Chapter 9: Integral Calculus

Think of calculus as the language of change and motion – a tool to understand how quantities shift and interact. When it comes to the Aditya L1 mission, calculus plays a pivotal role in plotting the spacecraft's course from its launch on Earth to its final destination at Lagrange Point 1 (L1).

We’ve already talked about how Calculus is useful in real world applications in the previous post. Add Aditya-L1 to the list of real-world applications of Calculus.

Conclusion

As you conquer your JEE syllabus, remember that the universe is your ultimate laboratory. Aditya L1 showcases how Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics create a symphony of knowledge that resonates even in the farthest reaches of space. ISRO’s Aditya-L1 reminds us yet again, that knowledge finds its true worth when coupled with application.

We wish ISRO all the best for their next mission from bottom of our hearts! We will be cheering for the success on Sept 2, 2023.

If you want to know more information about the mission, please check this out.