Indian astronomers have recently detected a dense exoplanet using the PARAS-2 Spectrograph, installed at the Mt. Abu Observatory. The exoplanet falls under the Sub-Saturn category, representing planets larger than Neptune but smaller than gas giants like Jupiter. This discovery marks a significant advancement in India's exoplanet research capabilities.
Understanding the Exoplanet Discovery
The detected exoplanet belongs to the Sub-Saturn category, meaning it is in a transitional size range between Neptune-like and gas giants.
It exhibits high density, suggesting a thick atmosphere and possibly a strong core.
Studying such exoplanets helps in understanding planetary formation and evolution beyond our solar system.
What is the PARAS-2 Spectrograph?
About PARAS-2 (PRL Advanced Radial velocity Abu Sky Search)
It is a high-resolution fiber-fed spectrograph designed to detect and study super-Earth-like and gas giant exoplanets.
Installed at the Mt. Abu Telescope, it enhances India's capability to study distant planets using advanced spectroscopy.
The spectrograph disperses light from celestial objects into its spectrum, enabling scientists to analyze their composition, motion, and atmospheric properties.
It is currently Asia’s highest-resolution spectrograph, with exceptional precision and sensitivity.
How Does It Work?
PARAS-2 uses the Radial Velocity Method to detect exoplanets.
It measures tiny shifts in a star’s light spectrum caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet.
This method helps determine the planet’s mass, density, and orbital properties.
Significance of the Discovery
Strengthening India’s Space Research
PARAS-2 enhances India’s role in exoplanet exploration, aligning with global missions like NASA’s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) and ESA’s CHEOPS (Characterizing Exoplanet Satellite).
Understanding Planetary Evolution
Studying Sub-Saturn planets helps bridge the gap between terrestrial (rocky) and gas giants, providing insights into planetary formation.
Boost to Indigenous Space Technologies
Development of high-precision spectrographs strengthens India’s observational astronomy and astrophysics capabilities.
Relevance for UPSC CSE
This topic is crucial for Prelims and Mains (GS-3) under:
Space Technology & Scientific Advancements – India's progress in exoplanetary research.
Indian Research Institutions – Role of Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), ISRO, and Mt. Abu Observatory.
Basic Science & Technology – Concepts like spectroscopy, radial velocity method, and planetary evolution.
Conclusion
The PARAS-2 Spectrograph represents a significant leap for Indian space science, enabling precision-based exoplanet detection. As India's contributions to astronomical research grow, such discoveries pave the way for future space exploration and planetary studies.
UPSC Practice Question
With reference to the PARAS-2 Spectrograph, consider the following statements:
It is India’s first and highest-resolution spectrograph developed for exoplanet detection.
It operates using the Transit Method to detect exoplanets.
It is installed at the Mt. Abu Observatory in Rajasthan.
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
UPSC Mains Question
Discuss the significance of India's advancements in exoplanet research with reference to the PARAS-2 Spectrograph. How do such developments contribute to India's space technology and scientific capabilities? (GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology, Space Research)
Comments