Consider the following statements regarding the Atmospheric Waves Expe...
Background:
The Atmospheric Waves Experiment is an important initiative in the field of atmospheric and space weather research. In order to assess the correctness of the given statements, let's analyze each of them individually.
Statement 1: It is an initiative of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
This statement is correct. The Atmospheric Waves Experiment is indeed an initiative of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA is a renowned space agency that conducts various research and exploration missions related to space and Earth's atmosphere. The agency has a strong focus on understanding atmospheric processes and their impact on Earth's climate and weather patterns.
Statement 2: It aims to study the interactions between terrestrial and Space weather.
This statement is also correct. One of the primary objectives of the Atmospheric Waves Experiment is to study the interactions between terrestrial (Earth-based) weather and space weather. Space weather refers to the various conditions and phenomena occurring in the space environment, such as solar flares, geomagnetic storms, and the solar wind. These space weather events can have significant impacts on Earth's atmosphere and climate, as well as on technological systems like satellites and power grids. Therefore, understanding the interactions between terrestrial and space weather is crucial for predicting and mitigating the effects of space weather events on Earth.
Conclusion:
Both statements are correct. The Atmospheric Waves Experiment is an initiative of NASA, and its main objective is to study the interactions between terrestrial and space weather. By conducting this research, scientists aim to enhance our understanding of atmospheric processes and improve our ability to forecast and mitigate the impacts of space weather events on Earth.
Consider the following statements regarding the Atmospheric Waves Expe...
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to launch the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) to study ‘air glow’ to understand space weather.
- It is a first-of-its-kind NASA experimental attempt aimed at studying the interactions between terrestrial and Space weather.
- It is planned under NASA’s Heliophysics Explorers Program, this mission will study the links between how waves in the lower layers of the atmosphere impact the upper atmosphere, and thus, Space weather.
- It will be launched and mounted on the exterior of the Earth-orbiting International Space Station (ISS).
- From the vantage point, it will look down at the Earth and record the colourful light bands, commonly known as airglow.
- The new NASA mission will try to understand the combination of forces that drive the Space weather in the upper atmosphere.
- It will measure the airglow at mesopause (about 85 to 87 km above the Earth’s surface), where the atmospheric temperatures dip to minus 100 degrees Celsius.
- At this altitude, it is possible to capture the faint airglow in the infrared bandwidth, which appears the brightest enabling easy detection.
- It will be able to resolve waves at finer horizontal scales than what satellites can usually see at those altitudes, which is part of what makes the mission unique.
- The health of the ionosphere, whose lower layers sit at the edge of Space, is important for maintaining seamless communication.
What will NASA’S AWE do?
- It will perform focused mapping of the colourful airglows in the Earth’s atmosphere.
- Onboard AWE is an Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (ATMT), an instrument that will scan or map the mesopause (a region between the mesosphere and thermosphere).
- Using the four identical telescopes comprising an imaging radiometer, scientists hope to obtain the brightness of light at specific wavelengths.
- This information can then be converted into a temperature map, which could reveal the airglow movement and ultimately, give clues on their role in the upper atmosphere and Space weather.
Hence both statements are correct.
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