India’s Aditya-L1 spacecraft has captured an intense solar flare and plasma ejection in near-ultraviolet light using its SUIT telescope. Recorded on December 31, 2023, during its journey to Lagrange Point L1, this marks the first such observation in this spectrum. The plasma accelerated fast enough to hypothetically circle Earth in 30 seconds. This breakthrough helps scientists better understand solar activity and its impact on Earth.

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• Solar flare, CME recorded by Aditya-L1 on Dec 31, 2023
• Captured in near-UV by SUIT—first time in this spectrum
• Plasma speed increased from 300 to 1,500 km/sec
• At max speed, could orbit Earth in just 30 seconds
• Flare erupted from active region NOAA 13536
• Near-UV shows lower solar layers (photosphere, chromosphere)
• Flare captured during spacecraft’s journey to L1 point
• SUIT uses 11 UV filters for detailed solar imaging
• Solar flares can disrupt satellites, power grids, comms
• Data to improve space weather predictions, tech safety