Why in the news?

  • Chandrayaan-2 has made the first-ever observation of the effects of the Sun’s Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) on the Moon.

Chandrayaan-2 Mission

  • Launched by: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • Launch date: 22 July 2019
  • Launch vehicle: GSLV Mk-III-M1 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle)
  • Mission type: India’s second lunar exploration mission
  • Aim: To explore the south polar region of the Moon, a largely uncharted area, and to study lunar topography, mineralogy, and exosphere.
  • Scientific Objectives:
    • Lunar topography: Map surface features and craters.
    • Mineralogy: Study mineral and elemental composition.
    • Exosphere: Analyze the thin lunar atmosphere.
    • Water-ice detection: Assess the distribution of hydroxyl and water molecules near the south pole.
    • Surface composition: Map Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Fe, Ti abundances using X-ray and infrared spectrometers.
  • Mission Components:
    • Orbiter:
      • Provides high-resolution imaging and mineral mapping.
      • Lifespan: ~7 years.
    • Vikram Lander:
      • Aimed for soft landing near south pole.
    • Pragyan Rover:
      • Six-wheeled robotic vehicle carried inside Vikram.
      • Could not operate due to failed landing.
  • Significance:
    • First attempt to land near lunar south pole.
    • Demonstrated India’s advanced space engineering and deep-space communication capabilities.
    • Data from orbiter continues to aid Chandrayaan-3 (2023) and global lunar studies.

Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)

  • Definition: A Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is a massive burst of plasma and magnetic field released from the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona) into space.
  • Origin:
    • CMEs occur during solar flares or from active magnetic regions on the Sun.
    • They are caused by the sudden release of magnetic energy when twisted magnetic field lines reconnect and eject solar material.
  • Effects:
    • Geomagnetic Storms: Disturb the Earth’s magnetic field, cause auroras, and may disrupt satellites, GPS, radio networks, and power grids.
    • Radiation Hazards: Increase radiation levels harmful to astronauts and high-altitude flights.
    • Space Weather Impact: Influence communication systems, navigation, and even pipeline currents on Earth.
  • Monitoring and Prediction:
    • NASA missions: SOHO, STEREO, Parker Solar Probe.
    • ISRO mission: Aditya-L1 monitors solar corona and CME activity.
    • NOAA’s SWPC: Issues global space weather alerts.