PARAS-2 stands for "PRL Advanced Radial-velocity All-sky Search-2." Developed by scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India, it is a highly advanced spectrograph. A spectrograph is an instrument that separates light into its various wavelengths, similar to how a prism creates a rainbow. By analyzing these light patterns, scientists can gather valuable information about distant celestial objects, including stars and exoplanets.
PARAS-2 is engineered specifically to detect exoplanets using the radial velocity method. This technique focuses on identifying minute wobbles in a star's movement, which occur due to the gravitational influence of an orbiting planet. As a planet moves around its star, it causes the star to shift slightly toward and away from Earth. This movement results in subtle changes in the wavelengths of light emitted from the star. PARAS-2 excels in measuring these tiny shifts with remarkable precision. By studying these variations, scientists can ascertain the existence of an exoplanet, along with its mass and orbital period.
PARAS-2 is installed on the PRL's 2.5-meter telescope at the Mount Abu Observatory in India. This observatory is situated at a high altitude, providing clearer skies for astronomical observations.
A significant milestone for PARAS-2 is the discovery of TOI-6651b, showcasing the instrument's ability to find exoplanets in challenging areas such as the Neptunian desert. Additionally, PARAS-2 has contributed to the study of various astronomical objects, including stars and galaxies. This achievement highlights India's growing expertise in developing world-class astronomical instruments.
Q1. What is the main function of PARAS-2?
Answer: PARAS-2 primarily functions as a spectrograph designed to detect exoplanets using the radial velocity method, analyzing the light patterns from stars.
Q2. How does the radial velocity method work?
Answer: The radial velocity method detects wobbles in a star's movement caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet, revealing information about the planet's presence and characteristics.
Q3. Where is PARAS-2 installed?
Answer: PARAS-2 is installed on the 2.5-meter telescope at the Mount Abu Observatory in India, benefiting from high-altitude conditions for clearer astronomical observations.
Q4. What makes PARAS-2 unique compared to other spectrographs?
Answer: PARAS-2 is unique due to its high precision in detecting small stellar wobbles and its ability to observe a wide range of wavelengths in a single observation.
Q5. What was a major achievement of PARAS-2?
Answer: A major achievement of PARAS-2 is the discovery of TOI-6651b, demonstrating its capability to find exoplanets in difficult regions, highlighting India's advancements in astronomy.
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of PARAS-2?
A) To study black holes
B) To detect exoplanets
C) To measure cosmic radiation
D) To observe lunar phases
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Where is PARAS-2 located?
A) Mount Abu Observatory
B) Indian Institute of Science
C) Nehru Planetarium
D) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Correct Answer: A
Question 3: What method does PARAS-2 utilize for detecting planets?
A) Transit method
B) Direct imaging
C) Radial velocity method
D) Gravitational lensing
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Which wavelength range can PARAS-2 observe?
A) 250 nm to 350 nm
B) 380 nm to 690 nm
C) 700 nm to 900 nm
D) 400 nm to 500 nm
Correct Answer: B
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