Sun Nov 09 05:51:18 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Aditya-L1 mission, using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), has provided the first spectroscopic observations of a coronal mass ejection (CME) close to the Sun’s surface. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and NASA collaborated to estimate the CME’s electron density, energy, mass, temperature, and speed. These unique observations, made possible by Aditya-L1’s location at the Sun-Earth Lagrangian L1 point, are crucial for understanding the parameters of CMEs and the amount of mass the Sun loses during these events. Researchers anticipate more observations of massive eruptions as the Sun approaches its maximum activity phase.

News Article:

Aditya-L1 Mission Delivers First-Ever Close-Range Spectroscopic Observations of Coronal Mass Ejection

Bengaluru, November 9, 2025 – India’s Aditya-L1 solar mission has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, capturing the first spectroscopic observations of a coronal mass ejection (CME) in the visible wavelength range close to the Sun’s surface. This feat was made possible by the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload onboard the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, a collaborative effort between the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and NASA.

Located at the Sun-Earth Lagrangian L1 point, Aditya-L1 offers a continuous, 24/7 view of the Sun. Scientists, led by Dr. V. Muthupriyal and Prof. R. Ramesh, have utilized the VELC to estimate crucial parameters of a CME, including electron density, energy, mass, temperature, and speed, at a distance unprecedented in spectroscopic observations.

“These observations are by far the closest to the Sun where spectroscopic data of a CME have been obtained with a space coronagraph,” stated Prof. Ramesh. The team’s calculations revealed an electron density of approximately 370 million electrons per cubic centimeter within the CME. The CME’s energy was estimated at 9.4 x 10^21 joules, dwarfing the energy released by atomic bombs. The mass was determined to be about 270 million tons, and the initial speed was clocked at 264 km/sec, with a temperature of 1.8 million degrees Kelvin.

Understanding these near-Sun parameters is crucial for gauging the impact of CMEs and the mass loss from the Sun during these events. With the Sun nearing the peak of its current activity cycle, researchers anticipate further observations of powerful eruptions using the VELC in the coming months. The data from Aditya-L1 promises to revolutionize our understanding of solar dynamics and its influence on space weather.

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