For the first time, researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have accurately estimated helium levels in the Sun’s photosphere. The discovery, announced by the Department of Science and Technology, addresses a long-standing challenge due to the absence of helium spectral lines in visible sunlight. The study was published in the Astrophysical Journal.

BulletsIn

• Accurate helium estimate from sun’s visible surface, a first globally
• Done by Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) researchers
• Previous estimates relied on indirect data, not direct observation
• Lack of helium spectral lines in photosphere made direct study hard
• IIA used spectral lines of magnesium, carbon with hydrogenated molecules
• New modelling method applied for high-resolution solar spectrum
• Work led by Satyajeet Moharana, now PhD scholar in South Korea
• Co-authors: B.P. Hema and Gajendra Pandey
• Study helps better assess sun’s opacity, key for solar research
• Published in Astrophysical Journal, adds to solar physics knowledge