Indian Astronomy Mission on X-ray, optical UV spectral bands. Name of the mission
VerifiedAnswer: Astrosat
Explanation:
Astrosat is India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on September 28, 2015. This groundbreaking mission represents India's significant entry into space-based astronomy research and has positioned the country among the elite nations capable of conducting advanced astronomical observations from space.
The satellite is uniquely designed to observe celestial objects simultaneously in multiple spectral bands, including X-ray, optical, and ultraviolet wavelengths. This multi-wavelength capability allows scientists to study astronomical phenomena with unprecedented detail and accuracy. The mission's primary objective is to understand high-energy processes in binary star systems containing neutron stars and black holes, study star birth regions, and investigate the magnetic fields of neutron stars.
Astrosat carries five sophisticated scientific instruments that work together to provide comprehensive observations. The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) captures images in the ultraviolet and optical bands, while the Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) and Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) focus on X-ray observations. Additionally, the Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI) serves as a hard X-ray imaging instrument, and the Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM) continuously monitors the X-ray sky for transient sources.
The mission has achieved several remarkable milestones since its launch. It has successfully detected over 600 gamma-ray bursts, observed numerous black holes and neutron stars, and provided valuable data about stellar coronae and accretion processes. One of its most significant achievements was the simultaneous multi-wavelength observations of various astronomical events, which has helped scientists better understand the physics behind these cosmic phenomena.
What makes Astrosat particularly special is its ability to provide simultaneous observations across different wavelengths, something that was previously possible only by coordinating multiple satellites from different space agencies. This capability has made it an invaluable tool for the global astronomy community, and data from Astrosat is freely available to researchers worldwide, promoting international scientific collaboration and advancing our understanding of the universe.
