space

Question 1

Consider the following statements regarding terrestrial planets

The terrestrial planets were formed in the close vicinity of the parent star where it was too warm for gases to condense to solid particles.
The terrestrial planets are smaller and their lower gravity could not hold the escaping gases.
The solar wind was most intense nearer the sun; so, it blew off lots of gas and dust from the terrestrial planets.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer 1

The difference between terrestrial and Jovian planets can be attributed to the following conditions:

(i) The terrestrial planets were formed in the close vicinity of the parent star where it was too warm for gases to condense to solid particles. Jovian planets were formed at quite a distant location.
(ii) The solar wind was most intense nearer the sun; so, it blew off lots of gas and dust from the terrestrial planets. The solar winds were not all that intense to cause similar removal of gases from the Jovian planets.
(iii) The terrestrial planets are smaller and their lower gravity could not hold the escaping gases

Question 2

1.Consider the following statements with reference to space organizations set up by the government:
1. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) was set up as a marketing wing of ISRO.
2. New Space India Limited (NSIL) was set up to boost private sector participation in the entire range of space activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer 2

1.The new Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) will assess the needs and demands of private players, including
educational and research institutions, and, explore ways to accommodate these requirements in consultation with ISRO. IN-SPACe is supposed to be a
facilitator and also a regulator. It will act as an interface between ISRO and private parties and assess how best to utilize India’s space resources and
increase space-based activities.a New Space India Limited (NSIL), a public sector company that would serve as a
marketing arm of ISRO. Its main purpose is to market the technologies developed by ISRO and bring more clients that need space-based services

Question 3

Consider the following statements with reference to the Vikas engine of ISRO:

1. It is a solid-fueled engine used in the second stage of launch vehicles.
2. It is used in both Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), and Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
3. The engine will improve the payload capability of launch vehicles.

Answer 3

The Vikas (VIKram Ambalal Sarabhai) is a family of liquid-fuelled rocket engines. Vikas engine is used to power the second stage of PSLV, boosters and second stage of GSLV Mark I and II and also the core stage of GSLV Mark III. Vikas’ engine which has been installed at the heart of rockets launched by India and was also part of key missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. 
Liquid-fueled engines are more fuel-efficient as they can be switched on and off, they can lift heavier payloads/satellites. Liquid engines also have lesser vibration and can burn for longer durations when compared to their solid counterparts. While a solid engine burns out after use, the liquid engine can be tested, re-used after cleaning and re-assembly.

Question 4

With reference to the Hydrogen Alpha system, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a group of energy filters that eliminate lights of various wavelengths of the Sun’s Chromosphere.
2. It helps in understanding the presence and formations of Sunspots and Solar Granules.

Answer 4

Hydrogen-alpha filters collectively known as hydrogen Alpha system are designed to block out as much of the spectrum as possible leaving only a very small bandwidth through which light can pass at the H-alpha frequency.
The H-Alpha telescope system brings us hidden details about Sun’s chromosphere. It shows:-
Solar prominences - which are large, bright features extending outward from the Sun’s surface into the Sun’s hot outer atmosphere, Corona. It gives stunning views of Solar Eclipses.
Solar filament - dark curvy lines on the Solar surface which are actually the modifications of solar prominences.
Solar flares- set an explosion of energy due to tangling crossing or reorganizing of magnetic field lines near sunspots.
Sunspots- dark spots on the Solar surface are cooler areas compared to the surroundings.
Solar granules- thermal currents in the thermal columns cause the formation of miniature granules on the chromosphere.

Question 5

Consider the following statements with reference to solar flares:

1. They travel atspeed exponentially higher than the speed of light and can disturb Earth’s ionosphere.
2. Their interaction can create a strong geomagnetic storm at the lower latitudes countries.
3. These geomagnetic storms can impact radio communication.

Answer 5

Solar flares are magnetic storms launched from the sun, releasing energy equivalent to a few million hydrogen bombs exploding at the same time.
During a solar flare, the highly energetic charged particles are expelled from the sun at speeds close to that of the speed of light. These rays can disturb
the ionosphere region of the Earth, which plays a vital role in radio communications. So, statement 1 is not correct.
When radiation, energetic particles, and solar plasma material released during a solar flare interact with the Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere, it
creates strong geomagnetic storms. This induces strong currents at ground levels, which can trip electric power grids in countries situated at high
latitudes, impacting air traffic on polar routes. The sensitive satellite sensors can also be damaged.