Space Aditya-L1 solar mission's Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and NASA made the first-ever spectroscopic observations of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) in the visible wavelength range. The observations were made using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) — a major payload aboard Aditya-L1, India’s first space-based solar observatory. These observations are the closest to the Sun’s surface ever made in visible light using a space coronagraph. Advantages of Aditya-L1 Aditya-L1 is positioned at the Sun–Earth Lagrangian Point L1, where the Sun never sets — enabling continuous 24-hour observation. The VELC allows scientists to study CMEs very close to the Sun’s visible surface, offering unique insights into their early-stage behaviour. Scientific Significance Provides crucial data on mass, energy, and material loss from the Sun during CMEs. Helps in understanding space weather phenomena that can affect Earth’s satellites and communications. Marks a major milestone for VELC and Indian solar research, as such near-Sun visible spectroscopy was never achieved before.
