As the rare celestial event enlivened southern Kerala, scientists of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) launched a series of rockets from Thumba, near here, in one of the "most comprehensive campaigns" ever to collect data during a solar eclipse.
The celestial event took place in a clear sky eliciting keen response from scientists as well as common people.
The VSSC, a major facility of Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), here made arrangements for comprehensive analysis of data obtained from the eclipse by launching Rohini sounding rockets, carrying instruments designed to take measurements and perform scientific experiments during its sub-orbital flight.
The atmospheric-ionospheric parameters conducted in India was one of the most comprehensive scientific campaigns ever attempted during a solar eclipse anywhere in the world, VSSC officials said.
As part of the campaign, nine sounding rockets were launched before and during the eclipse from Thumba attached to the VSCC and Satish Dhawan Space Centre, also known as the Sriharikota Range (SHAR), to collect data on the event.
The eclipse, regarded as unique as it took place during noon, when the incoming solar radiation was at its maximum, passed close to Thumba with 91% obscuration of the Sun, and its edges touched Sriharikota with 85% obscuration.
Comments