SNIFS MISSION: NASA TO STUDY SUN's ATMOSHPHERE

Mission Name

Solar EruptioN Integral Field Spectrograph (SNIFS)

Mission Type

Sounding Rocket Experiment

Launch Location

New Mexico, USA

Mission Duration

Under ten minutes (suborbital flight)

Primary Objective

Observe the Sun's chromosphere (between the photosphere and the corona) to find clues about solar corona heating (why the Sun's outer atmosphere is millions of degrees hotter).

Target Region

Magnetically active regions in the Chromosphere and the Transition Region.

Key Target Line

Hydrogen Lyman-alpha line (brightest line in the solar ultraviolet spectrum, powerful diagnostic for chromospheric conditions).

Unique Technology

First-ever solar ultraviolet integral field spectrograph. Combines an imager and a spectrograph to capture 3D data (2D field of view + full spectrum for every pixel) in real-time.

Data Provided

High-resolution spectroscopic data used to calculate temperatures, velocities, and densities of solar plasma.

Impact of the Study

Improve space weather forecast.

Safeguard satellites and power grids from solar disturbances.

Enhance global disaster preparedness.  

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the Solar EruptioN Integral Field Spectrograph (SNIFS) mission, consider the following statements:

1. It is a NASA mission designed to study the Sun's core.

2. It aims to collect 3D data from the Sun's chromosphere.

3. The chromosphere is known for originating solar flares and hot plasma jets.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Solar EruptioN Integral Field Spectrograph (SNIFS) is a mission to study the chromosphere and transition region of the sun, launched by NASA.

Statement 2 is correct: SNIFS is the first ultraviolet integral field spectrograph, designed to study the Sun. It captures high-resolution spectral data across a full two-dimensional field of view, creating a three-dimensional dataset with a complete spectrum for every pixel in real time.

Statement 3 is correct: The chromosphere is a dynamic layer of the Sun where solar flares, plasma jets (like spicules), and intense energy flows originate. Understanding this region is key to solving why the corona is much hotter than the Sun's surface.