Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Science and Technology
Why in News?
Recently, A study proved that ground-based space particle counters can now track Earth's weather and solar storms in real-time, making climate and space research much stronger.
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Key Details
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GRAPES - 3 Observatory
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Cosmic-Ray Observatory
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GRAPES‑3 Muon Telescope
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World's largest tracking Muon telescope.
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Operated by
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Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
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Location
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Ooty, Tamil Nadu
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Commissioned in
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2000
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Research team
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India and Japan
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GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy at PeV EnergieS) Observatory
- A high‑altitude observatory tracks cosmic muons (particles formed when cosmic rays hit the atmosphere).
- Scientists measure how changes in upper‑atmosphere temperature and the Sun’s magnetic field affect the number of muons (tiny particles) that reach Earth’s surface
- It has counted billions daily to study the upper atmosphere and the Sun’s magnetic field, making it a unique ground tool for climate and solar weather monitoring.
Positive Observation – Atmosphere Link
- Shows a direct link between upper‑atmosphere temperature and muon counts.
- Warmer atmosphere, it expands outward resulting in fewer low-energy muons reaching ground.
- Therefore, lower muons mean a warmer upper atmosphere, i.e. Muon count directly reflects temperature changes.
Negative Observation – Solar Magnetic Field Link
- Shows an inverse link between Sun’s magnetic field and muon counts.
- Stronger solar field blocks more cosmic rays, so only fewer muons detected.
- So, a stronger solar magnetic shield means low muon counts, i.e. Muon counts inversely reflects solar magnetic strength.
Neutral Observation – Stable Baseline
- Scientists applied Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and repititive algorithms to separate signals.
- Seasonal and solar cycle effects are filtered out using mathematical tools.
Reference
Researchmatters | Grapes-3
