Chinese satellite detects over 100 solar white
A Long March-2D carrier rocket carrying the solar exploration satellite Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S), called Kuafu-1 in Chinese, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Oct. 9, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]
China's Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) -- dubbed Kuafu-1 in Chinese -- has detected more than 100 solar white-light flares since its launch in October 2022, according to the Purple Mountain Observatory under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Solar white-light flares are a type of flare that exhibits enhanced radiation in the visible light continuum spectrum. These flares typically have high energy and can have an impact on space weather, causing disruptions or interruptions in ground communication, as well as interfering with the normal operation of spacecraft.
Before the launch of ASO-S, the observation and reporting of solar white-light flares were limited to around 300 cases, which accounted for a relatively small proportion of the total number of flare eruptions.
The research team of the satellite has analyzed 205 high-energy flares that occurred between October 2022 and May 2023. Among them, 49 white-light flares were identified, resulting in a white-light flare occurrence rate of 24 percent, which is significantly higher than the previously observed data.
The observation data from ASO-S shows that white-light flares are not as rare as previously thought, said Gan Weiqun, the chief scientist of the KuaFu-1 mission and a researcher at the Purple Mountain Observatory.
The satellite team will continue to combine multi-wavelength observations from other satellites for comprehensive study of white-light flares to provide a theoretical basis for the country's space weather forecasting, Gan said.
ASO-S is a comprehensive solar observation satellite used for solar research. It was officially handed over to the Purple Mountain Observatory in September 2023.
Since its launch, the satellite has recorded approximately 600TB of raw solar observation data, providing a wealth of material for subsequent research.
The new study was published recently in the journals Solar Physics and The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Related articles
Minnesota ethics panel to consider how to deal with senator charged with burglary
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota Senate ethics panel on Tuesday is expected to begin considering w2024-05-08China eyes digital, green economy cooperation potential in Africa: MOC
BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Thursday that the governmen2024-05-08Hong Kong holds digital economy summit, eyes sustainable future
HONG KONG, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Digital Economy Summit 2024 opened on Friday in Hong Kong, givin2024-05-08China champions peace, development, confronts jackals, wolves head on
* China is committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and a mutually beneficial strategy of2024-05-08Woman, 31, was left 'burning from the inside out' in 17
A woman has claimed she was placed in a 17-day coma after suffering a rare reaction to ibuprofen tha2024-05-08China takes steps to enhance telecom service, easing access for foreigners: spokesperson
(ECNS) -- To help foreigners get a mobile number easier upon their arrival in China, carriers includ2024-05-08
atest comment