AstroSat

• India’s first multi-wavelength space-based observatory, AstroSat, has detected intense sub-second X-ray bursts emanating from a neutron star with an ultrahigh magnetic field, known as a magnetar.

ABOUT ASTROSAT

• Launched in 2015, into a 650 km orbit inclined at an angle of 6 deg to the equator by PSLV-C30.
• AstroSat is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral bands simultaneously.
• The payloads cover the energy bands of Ultraviolet (Near and Far), limited optical and X-ray regime (0.3 keV to 100keV).
• One of the unique features of AstroSat mission is that it enables the simultaneous multi-wavelength observations of various astronomical objects with a single satellite.
• The spacecraft control centre at Mission Operations Complex (MOX) of ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru manages the satellite during its entire mission life.
• Payloads

ABOUT MAGNETARS

• Magnetars are neutron stars distinguished by an ultrahigh magnetic field, exceeding that of Earth by over one quadrillion times.
• The emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation in these celestial objects results from the decay of their magnetic fields.
• Additionally, magnetars exhibit notable temporal variability, including slow rotations, rapid spin-downs, and brief but intense bursts, extending to months-long outbursts.