Daily Current Affairs : 31-May-2024
The Daksha challenge is a formidable space mission that aims to build high-power space telescopes to observe some of the universe’s most powerful and explosive activities. These include phenomena like gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and electromagnetic signals from gravitational wave sources. The goal of this project is to gather valuable data that could unlock a deeper understanding of the violent processes occurring in space.
Key Features of the Daksha Project
The Daksha project involves the launch of two satellites, which will be positioned in orbit on opposite sides of the Earth. This unique arrangement offers a significant advantage in terms of observing space from different angles, ensuring much better coverage compared to other existing missions. Some of the key features of the Daksha project include:
- Two High-Energy Telescopes: These telescopes will observe cosmic explosions and other high-energy phenomena, helping scientists understand the most extreme events in the universe.
- Energy Range: The sensors on these telescopes will be capable of detecting gamma rays ranging from 1 keV to over 1 MeV, making them ideal for observing high-energy cosmic events.
- Opposite Orbits: With the telescopes orbiting on opposite sides of the Earth, Daksha guarantees continuous and more comprehensive coverage of the sky. This arrangement allows the mission to track cosmic phenomena from different perspectives, enhancing the overall data collected.
- Scientific Goals: Daksha is expected to discover thousands of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and dozens of high-energy counterparts to events like binary neutron star mergers, providing invaluable insights into some of the most energetic processes in the universe.
- Five-Year Mission: The Daksha project is planned to run for five years. Over this period, the telescopes will collect extensive data on cosmic explosions and other high-energy phenomena, helping scientists make groundbreaking discoveries.
Comparison with Other Gamma-Ray Detection Missions
Daksha is part of a global effort to study gamma-ray emissions and other high-energy events in space. Several other missions share similar goals, such as:
- Astrosat: India’s multi-wavelength space observatory, which provides data across various electromagnetic spectra, allowing it to study a wide range of cosmic phenomena.
- Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope: A NASA mission that observes gamma-ray emissions across a broad range of energy levels from different space objects, contributing to our understanding of high-energy astrophysical sources.
- Swift Observatory: Another NASA mission that specializes in studying gamma-ray bursts, which are among the most energetic and violent events in the universe.
Important Points:
- Daksha Project Overview:
- A mission to build two high-energy space telescopes.
- Aims to study gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and electromagnetic signals from gravitational wave sources.
- Designed to gather valuable data on violent cosmic events.
- Key Features of Daksha:
- Two Satellites: Positioned on opposite sides of Earth for better coverage.
- Energy Range: Detects gamma rays from 1 keV to > 1 MeV.
- Continuous Coverage: Opposite orbits ensure nonstop sky observation.
- Scientific Goals: Expected to discover thousands of GRBs and dozens of high-energy counterparts to neutron star mergers.
- Five-Year Mission: Planned mission duration to collect extensive data.
- Comparison with Other Missions:
- Astrosat: India’s multi-wavelength space observatory.
- Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope: NASA mission with wide-range gamma-ray observations.
- Swift Observatory: NASA mission focused on gamma-ray bursts.
- Significance of Daksha:
- Offers better sky coverage and continuous observations compared to existing missions.
- Expected to contribute significantly to understanding extreme cosmic events.
Why In News
The Daksha project aims to build two high-energy space telescopes to study explosive astrophysical sources like gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave sources. By observing these extreme events, Daksha will provide new insights into the most energetic and violent processes in the universe, helping to deepen our understanding of cosmic phenomena such as the merging of neutron stars and black holes.
MCQs about The Daksha Project
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What is the primary goal of the Daksha project?
A. To launch satellites for global communication
B. To study cosmic radiation from the Sun
C. To build high-energy telescopes for studying gamma-ray bursts and gravitational wave sources
D. To send humans to Mars
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How will the two satellites in the Daksha project be positioned?
A. Both satellites will orbit the same side of Earth
B. One satellite will orbit the Moon and the other Earth
C. The satellites will orbit on opposite sides of the Earth
D. The satellites will be placed in a fixed position in space
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What is the expected energy range for the sensors on the Daksha telescopes?
A. 100 eV to 100 keV
B. 1 keV to >1 MeV
C. 500 eV to 10 MeV
D. 10 keV to 500 MeV
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Which of the following missions is NOT mentioned in the context of gamma-ray detection alongside Daksha?
A. Astrosat
B. Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope
C. Hubble Space Telescope
D. Swift Observatory
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