Chandrayaan probe finds sparse plasma on moon

Chandrayaan probe finds sparse plasma on moon

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Space technology

Context:

Langmuir Probe (RAMBHA-LP) payload on board Chandrayaan-3’s lander Vikram has completed the first in-situ measurements of the surface-bound lunar plasma environment over the south polar region.

Understanding RAMBHA-LP

• RAMBHA-LP stands for Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere – Langmuir Probe.
• Named after Nobel laureate Irving Langmuir, it characterizes lunar plasma.
• RAMBHA-LP’s milestone: measuring lunar plasma’s density.

Lunar Plasma Density Assessment

• Initial findings indicate sparse plasma near the lunar surface.
• Density ranges from about 5 to 30 million electrons per cubic meter.
• Importance: Influence on radio wave communication through space.

Langmuir Probe Operation

• Langmuir probe functions as an electrode in plasma.
• Collects electrons and ions, measuring their properties.
• RAMBHA-LP: 5 cm metallic spherical probe mounted on 1-meter boom.
• Deployment away from the lander to analyze undisturbed lunar plasma.
• Can detect minute return currents as low as pico-amperes.
• Measures ion and electron densities and their energies.

Sulphur & Other Elements on the Moon

• Detection methods: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Alpha Particle X-ray Spectroscope (APXS).
• Other Elements Detected
• APXS instrument reveals the presence of additional elements.
• Elements include aluminum, calcium, iron, chromium, titanium, manganese, silicon, and oxygen.

Plasma and its significance

1. Fourth State of Matter: Plasma is the fourth state, distinct from solids, liquids, and gases.
2. Charged Particles: It’s made up of charged particles, like electrons and ions.
3. Widespread in the Universe: Plasma is abundant in stars, galaxies, and lightning.
4. Unique Properties: It conducts electricity, generates magnetic fields, and emits light.
5. Temperature Range: Plasma can be extremely hot (as in stars) or cooler (as in fluorescent lights).
6. Space Exploration: Plasma affects communication, spacecraft charging, and space weather.
7. Measurement: Instruments like Langmuir probes study plasma to enhance mission safety and success.
8. Plasma on Earth:
   1. Natural Occurrence: Plasma can be found naturally on Earth in phenomena like lightning and the auroras (northern and southern lights).
   2. Man-made Plasma: It’s also created in man-made environments like fluorescent lights and plasma TVs.