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Context:
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have observed a flareless CME using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) onboard Aditya-L1, India’s first dedicated solar research mission. The CME, detected on July 5, 2024, had no associated solar flare, providing insights into alternative mechanisms behind these solar eruptions.
Scientific Significance
- Advanced Observations with VELC
- VELC provides closer and faster observations of the solar corona, surpassing existing coronagraphs.
- The instrument enables detailed tracking of CME origins near the solar limb (edge of the Sun).
- Magnetic Instability & Differentiation
- The study aims to differentiate magnetic instabilities that cause flares and CMEs.
- Understanding their association is a key goal for solar physics.
- Solar Cycle & Future Observations
- As the Sun approaches the peak of Solar Cycle 25, CME activity is expected to increase.
- Continuous monitoring by VELC will provide valuable data for both Indian and global researchers.
Understanding Flares vs. CMEs
- Flares
- Caused by magnetic reconnection.
- Release energy as electromagnetic radiation.
- CMEs
- Massive plasma eruptions (weighing ~trillion kg).
- Travel up to 3,000 km/s through space.
- Association with flares remains unclear.
This breakthrough observation strengthens India’s role in solar research, providing critical data to improve our understanding of CMEs and their link to solar flares. The study will soon be published in the Astrophysical Journal, a leading international
