SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 6

Correct Answer

To provide insights into the sun

Explanation

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) is a joint international mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. Launched in December 1995, its primary purpose is to study the Sun, from its deep core to the outer corona, and the solar wind. SOHO has revolutionized our understanding of the Sun's internal structure, its violent atmosphere, and how solar activity affects space weather around Earth.

Key Points

Operating from the First Lagrangian Point (L1), SOHO has been providing continuous, uninterrupted views of the Sun for over three decades. Beyond its primary solar science goals, SOHO has also accidentally become the most prolific comet finder in history, discovering thousands of sungrazing comets.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: Which two space agencies jointly launched the SOHO mission?

Answer: The SOHO mission is a cooperative project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.

Question: Where is the SOHO spacecraft positioned in space to observe the Sun?

Answer: SOHO is stationed in orbit around the First Lagrangian Point (L1), located about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth toward the Sun.