← 21 October 2026's Current Affairs · Science & Tech GA Prelims ★★★☆☆ Mains ★★☆☆☆
Aditya-L1 produces Doppler velocity images of the solar corona
Why in News?
A spacecraft that never lands on the Sun: the L1 halo orbit and VELC payload GS-III must cover
Aditya-L1 has produced Doppler velocity images of the solar corona.
Why it matters: general awareness
What you need to know
2 min read
Aditya-L1, India's first space-based solar observatory, has generated Doppler velocity images of the solar corona.
The spacecraft is placed in a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L1.
One of its payloads is the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph, which studies the corona.
Sources: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
Key facts
Remember these
- Aditya-L1 is India's first space-based observatory dedicated to studying the Sun, built by ISRO.
- It is placed in a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L1.
- L1 lies roughly 1.5 million km from Earth towards the Sun, giving a continuous view of the Sun without eclipses.
- The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) is one of its payloads and studies the solar corona.
- It has now produced Doppler velocity images of the solar corona.
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- Aditya-L1 is India's first dedicated space-based mission to study the Sun.
- Aditya-L1 is placed in a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L1.
- The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) on Aditya-L1 is used to study the solar corona.
- Doppler velocity images of the corona help measure the motion of coronal plasma along the line of sight.
Mains
GS-III (Science and Technology: space technology). India's growing space-science programme has moved beyond launch capability to dedicated heliophysics through Aditya-L1, whose coronal observations aid understanding of solar activity that affects satellites and communication systems. Way forward: sustain ISRO's scientific missions, open data to the research community and build space-weather forecasting capability.
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
With reference to Aditya-L1, consider the following statements:
- It is India's first dedicated space-based mission to study the Sun.
- It is placed in a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L1.
- The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) is one of its payloads.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- None of them
Show answer
Answer: C — The correct answer is Only three. Aditya-L1 is India's first solar observatory, sits in a halo orbit around L1 and carries the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph as a payload.
Convert this topic into marks
Today's 10-MCQ test · instant analysis · Powered by AdaptIQ