Daily Current Affairs : 23-November-2023
Space weather refers to the variations in the space environment between the Sun and Earth. It is a product of activities on the Sun’s surface and has a direct impact on crucial Earth installations, such as satellite-based communication, radio communication, and space-based aircraft orbits or stations. These influences can disrupt the smooth operations of navigation systems, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and power grids.
Unveiling the Mystery of Gravity Waves
In the vast expanse of our atmosphere, various waves traverse both horizontally and vertically. Among them, Atmospheric Gravity Waves (AGW) are vertical waves generated during extreme weather events or sudden disturbances causing a vertical displacement of stable air. The stability of the atmosphere plays a pivotal role in the generation of these waves, creating a distinctive wave-like pattern as rising and sinking air interact.
The Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE)
Purpose and Scope of AWE
Under NASA’s Heliophysics Explorers Program, the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) is designed to investigate the intricate links between waves in the lower atmosphere and their impact on the upper atmosphere, influencing space weather dynamics. It aims to contribute significantly to our understanding of Earth’s complex atmospheric processes.
Deployment on the International Space Station (ISS)
AWE will be launched and affixed to the exterior of the Earth-orbiting International Space Station (ISS). Positioned strategically, it will observe and record airglow, the colorful light bands, at the mesopause—approximately 85 to 87 kilometers above Earth’s surface, where temperatures plunge to minus 100 degrees Celsius.
Functionality of AWE
Focused Mapping of Air Glows
AWE’s primary function involves focused mapping of colorful air glows in Earth’s atmosphere. Equipped with an Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (ATMT), it will scan and map the mesopause region.
Imaging Radiometer’s Role
Using four identical telescopes forming an imaging radiometer, AWE will capture the brightness of light at specific wavelengths. This data will be converted into a temperature map, offering insights into airglow movement and their implications for the upper atmosphere and space weather dynamics.
Important Points:
- Understanding Space Weather:
- Variations in the space environment between the Sun and Earth.
- Direct impact on Earth’s vital installations: satellite communication, radio communication, and space-based aircraft orbits.
- Disruption of navigation systems, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and power grids.
- Gravity Waves in the Atmosphere:
- Atmospheric Gravity Waves (AGW) are vertical waves generated during extreme weather events.
- Result from sudden disturbances causing a vertical displacement of stable air.
- Stable atmosphere crucial for generating gravity waves, creating a distinctive wave-like pattern.
- The Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE):
- Conducted under NASA’s Heliophysics Explorers Program.
- Investigates links between lower atmosphere waves and their impact on the upper atmosphere and space weather.
- AWE deployed on the International Space Station (ISS) exterior.
- Observes and records airglow at the mesopause (85 to 87 km above Earth’s surface).
- AWE’s Functionality:
- Focused mapping of colorful air glows in Earth’s atmosphere.
- Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (ATMT) scans and maps the mesopause.
- Imaging Radiometer with four telescopes captures brightness of light at specific wavelengths.
- Data converted into a temperature map, providing insights into airglow movement.
- Significance of AWE:
- AWE contributes to understanding Earth’s complex atmospheric processes.
- Positioned on the ISS, offering a strategic vantage point for observations.
- Aims to unravel mysteries of space weather and provide valuable data for advancements in atmospheric science and technology.
Why In News
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is poised to launch the Atmospheric Waves Experiment, a groundbreaking mission designed to explore the intricate interactions between terrestrial and space weather phenomena. This ambitious endeavor aims to unravel the mysteries surrounding atmospheric waves and their impact on our planet’s climate.
MCQs about NASA’s Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE)
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What is the primary focus of NASA’s Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE)?
A. Studying variations in solar activity
B. Investigating links between lower and upper atmosphere waves
C. Monitoring Earth’s magnetic field
D. Analyzing atmospheric pressure changes
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What is the main impact of space weather on Earth’s installations?
A. Enhancing satellite communication
B. Improving radio communication
C. Disrupting navigation systems and power grids
D. Stabilizing Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
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Where will the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) be deployed for observation?
A. Lunar surface
B. Mars orbit
C. International Space Station (ISS) exterior
D. Earth’s stratosphere
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What is the role of Atmospheric Gravity Waves (AGW) in the atmosphere?
A. Enhancing atmospheric stability
B. Creating a wave-like pattern during extreme weather events
C. Generating horizontal waves
D. Stabilizing air temperature
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