NEW DELHI: NASA has announced an ambitious plan to launch sounding rockets into the shadow of the Moon during an upcoming solar eclipse. This unique mission aims to provide researchers with a rare opportunity to study the effects of solar eclipses on our planet’s atmosphere, specifically focusing on the ionized particles in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
During the solar eclipse, the Moon’s shadow creates a dramatic shift in the Earth’s ionosphere, the layer of the atmosphere filled with charged particles.
This change is akin to sudden nightfall, causing rapid cooling and generating atmospheric waves, similar to ripples on a pond surface after a stone is dropped.
The phenomenon was notably observed during the 2017 total solar eclipse, leading to significant findings about ionospheric disturbances. According to research conducted by the MIT Haystack Observatory, “Ionospheric Bow Waves and Perturbations Induced by the 21 August 2017 Solar Eclipse” revealed distinct atmospheric wave patterns caused by the eclipse’s effects.
By launching sounding rockets directly into the Moon’s shadow, NASA aims to further understand these atmospheric responses to solar eclipses. The mission’s success could pave the way for new insights into the Earth’s atmospheric processes and improve our understanding of the ionosphere’s response to various solar and celestial events.
What are sounding rockets?
Sounding rockets are suborbital research vehicles used to conduct experiments and collect data in the upper atmosphere and near-space environment. Unlike satellites orbiting the Earth, sounding rockets follow a parabolic trajectory—ascending into the upper atmosphere before descending back to the ground. This flight path allows them to gather data from different layers of the Earth’s atmosphere, typically reaching altitudes between 50 to 1,500 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
Usage in atmospheric research
- Data collection: Sounding rockets are instrumental in collecting valuable data on atmospheric composition, density, temperature, and winds. They carry scientific instruments into regions that are beyond the reach of weather balloons but below orbital satellites, filling a crucial gap in atmospheric research.
- Ionospheric and magnetospheric studies: They are particularly useful for studying the ionosphere and magnetosphere, where charged particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. This research is vital for understanding space weather phenomena, such as solar flares and geomagnetic storms, which can impact satellite operations, GPS systems, and terrestrial power grids.
- Microgravity research: Sounding rockets provide a platform for short-duration microgravity experiments, beneficial for studying physical, chemical, and biological processes without the interference of Earth’s gravity. This research is critical for advancing space travel and understanding the behavior of materials and living organisms in space.
- Testbed for instruments and technology: They serve as a cost-effective testbed for new instruments, sensors, and spacecraft components before they are deployed on more expensive, long-duration space missions. This allows scientists and engineers to validate the performance of their equipment in a space-like environment.
- Educational opportunities: Sounding rockets also play a significant role in education and training, providing students and young scientists with hands-on experience in designing, building, and operating space-bound scientific instruments.
The article originally appeared on The Times of India.
