An Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) team, in collaboration with international researchers, has developed a groundbreaking model to understand the internal thermal evolution of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) as they travel from the sun towards the earth.
Importance of the Study
- The study sheds light on the heat budget of CMEs and their behavior during dynamic evolution.
- It aims to predict the impact of space weather on planets within our solar system.
What are Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)?
- CMEs are massive eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s outer atmosphere.
- When directed towards Earth, they can significantly affect space weather and space-based infrastructure.
Existing Challenges
- The thermal behavior of CMEs during their journey from the sun to the earth is not fully understood.
- Current observations near the sun and earth are insufficient to comprehend the evolution of CMEs at intermediate distances.
The Flux Rope Internal State (FRIS) Model
- The team introduced a novel analytical model called the Flux Rope Internal State (FRIS) model.
- This model utilizes inputs from wide-field-of-view coronagraphic white-light observations.
Research Methodology
- Lead author Soumyaranjan Khuntia, a doctoral student at IIA, applied the FRIS model to two specific CMEs with available data from multiple telescopes and spacecraft.
- Data from NASA and ESA space missions such as SOHO, STEREO, and SDO were utilized alongside the FRIS model.
Key Findings
- The study revealed significant insights into the differential heating within CMEs with varying kinematics in interplanetary space.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary objective of the study conducted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) team?
A) To develop a new model for forecasting solar flares.
B) To understand the internal thermal evolution of coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
C) To study the behavior of asteroids in the asteroid belt.
D) To explore the possibility of life on Mars.
Answer: B) To understand the internal thermal evolution of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). - What are coronal mass ejections (CMEs)?
A) Massive eruptions of volcanic material from the sun’s surface.
B) Giant storms occurring on Jupiter.
C) Explosions caused by nuclear fusion on the sun.
D) Massive eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s outer atmosphere.
Answer: D) Massive eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s outer atmosphere. - What is the Flux Rope Internal State (FRIS) model?
A) A model for predicting earthquakes.
B) A model for understanding the evolution of galaxies.
C) An analytical model developed to study the internal thermal evolution of CMEs.
D) A model for predicting solar eclipses.
Answer: C) An analytical model developed to study the internal thermal evolution of CMEs. - How did the research team obtain data for their study?
A) By conducting experiments in space.
B) By analyzing data from multiple telescopes and spacecraft, including NASA and ESA missions.
C) By using ground-based telescopes only.
D) By studying meteorite samples.
Answer: B) By analyzing data from multiple telescopes and spacecraft, including NASA and ESA missions.