Daily Current Affairs : 28-May-2024
AstroSat, India’s most beneficial multi-wavelength space observatory, has recently facilitated a significant discovery in the study of black hole X-ray binaries (BH-XRBs). During an unusual outburst phase in one such system, AstroSat detected a phenomenon referred to as aperiodic modulation in high-energy X-ray photons. This discovery provides valuable insights into the complex behavior of black holes and their companion stars.
What is a Black Hole X-ray Binary (BH-XRB)?
A Black Hole X-ray Binary (BH-XRB) system consists of a black hole and a companion star that is locked in a gravitational relationship with the black hole. The black hole’s immense gravitational pull draws matter from the companion star, forming an accretion disk around the black hole. As the material falls into the black hole, it heats up and emits X-rays. These X-rays are one of the primary ways astronomers study the behavior of such systems.
About AstroSat
AstroSat, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2015, is India’s first multi-wavelength space observatory. Positioned in Low Earth Orbit, AstroSat is designed to study celestial sources across a range of wavelengths, including X-rays, ultraviolet (UV), and optical light. The observatory is equipped with five distinct payloads that enable it to carry out comprehensive observations of the universe. Its objectives include:
- Studying high-energy processes in binary star systems.
- Identifying new transient X-ray sources.
- Investigating regions where stars are born.
AstroSat’s unique capability to observe multiple wavelengths simultaneously makes it a powerful tool for understanding complex astronomical phenomena.
The Discovery of Aperiodic Modulation
In a recent observation of a BH-XRB system, AstroSat detected a rare form of aperiodic modulation in the high-energy X-rays emitted by the system during an outburst phase. Aperiodic modulation refers to irregular changes in the intensity of X-ray emissions that do not follow a predictable pattern. This discovery is significant because it could offer new clues about the physical processes occurring within the accretion disk of the black hole.
The unusual outburst phase provided a unique opportunity to study this modulation. By analyzing the high-energy X-ray photons, scientists can gain a better understanding of the dynamics of the black hole’s interaction with its companion star. This discovery could help improve models of black hole behavior and accretion processes.
Important Points:
- AstroSat’s Role: India’s first multi-wavelength space observatory, launched by ISRO in 2015, enables simultaneous observation of X-rays, UV, and optical light.
- BH-XRB Systems: A Black Hole X-ray Binary (BH-XRB) consists of a black hole and a companion star, with the black hole’s gravity drawing material from the star, forming an accretion disk that emits X-rays.
- Discovery of Aperiodic Modulation: AstroSat detected aperiodic modulation in high-energy X-rays during an unusual outburst phase in a BH-XRB system. This refers to irregular, unpredictable changes in X-ray emission intensity.
- Significance of Discovery: The aperiodic modulation provides insights into the physical processes happening in the black hole’s accretion disk, helping improve models of black hole behavior and accretion dynamics.
- AstroSat’s Capabilities: Equipped with five payloads, AstroSat studies high-energy processes, transient X-ray sources, and star formation regions, making it a powerful tool for astronomical research.
- Implications for Black Hole Studies: This discovery could lead to better understanding of black hole interactions and accretion processes, potentially advancing our knowledge of the universe’s most mysterious objects.
Why In News
AstroSat has facilitated the discovery of aperiodic modulation in high-energy X-ray photons during an unusual outburst phase in a black hole X-ray binary (BH-XRB) system, providing new insights into the dynamic and unpredictable nature of black hole accretion processes. This discovery could help refine our understanding of how black holes interact with their companion stars during extreme phases of activity.
MCQs about Black Hole X-ray Binaries
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What is the primary purpose of AstroSat?
A. To study meteorological phenomena on Earth
B. To study celestial sources across multiple wavelengths
C. To explore the surface of the Moon
D. To monitor weather patterns in space
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What does *aperiodic modulation* refer to in the context of the BH-XRB system?
A. Predictable changes in the intensity of X-rays
B. Irregular and unpredictable variations in X-ray emissions
C. Steady and constant X-ray output from the black hole
D. No emission of X-rays from the black hole
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What is a key feature of a Black Hole X-ray Binary (BH-XRB) system?
A. The black hole and its companion star are unrelated
B. The black hole does not emit any X-rays
C. The black hole’s gravitational pull draws matter from a companion star
D. The black hole is located in the center of the galaxy
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What does the recent discovery of aperiodic modulation in X-ray photons by AstroSat help scientists understand?
A. The temperature of the companion star in a BH-XRB system
B. The physical processes occurring within the black hole’s accretion disk
C. The size of the black hole
D. The color of the X-ray emissions
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