Space and Space Technology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)

Explanation

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is the first of its kind, designed to explore the cosmos from deep within the ice at the South Pole. It is operated by the IceCube Collaboration, an international team of scientists conducting research in this field. By detecting high-energy cosmic neutrinos, IceCube enables the study of some of the universe’s most violent astrophysical events, including stellar explosions, gamma-ray bursts, and catastrophic interactions involving black holes and neutron stars.

Statement 1 is correct: The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is the largest neutrino detector globally, occupying a cubic kilometer of ice at the South Pole. It detects high-energy neutrinos from cosmic sources like supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts.

Statement 2 is correct: IceCube plays a critical role in the search for dark matter by detecting neutrinos produced when dark matter particles, such as WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles), interact or annihilate. This makes it a vital tool in astrophysical and particle physics research.

Statement 3 is correct: IceCube’s detectors are buried at depths between 1,450 meters and 2,450 meters in Antarctic ice. This depth reduces interference from cosmic rays and other particles, allowing it to detect faint light signals from neutrino interactions.

Explanation

Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are primarily designed for Earth observation and resource management. Their applications encompass various fields, including agriculture, water resources, urban planning, rural development, mineral prospecting, environment, forestry, ocean resources, and disaster management.

Option (a) is correct: Indian Remote Sensing satellites play a crucial role in agriculture. They provide data on crop health, soil conditions and vegetation cover which are essential for assessing crop productivity. The satellites capture multispectral and hyperspectral images that help in monitoring crop growth, predicting yields, and identifying areas affected by drought or pests. IRS satellites are instrumental in identifying potential groundwater resources. They use remote sensing techniques to map geological features, soil moisture, and vegetation patterns that indicate the presence of groundwater. ISRO’s Bhuvan portal provides satellite-based groundwater prospect maps. IRS satellites are used in mineral exploration by providing detailed images of the Earth’s surface which help geologists identify mineral-rich areas based on spectral signatures of rocks and soils. This reduces the need for extensive ground surveys. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) collaborates with ISRO to use remote sensing data for mineral exploration. IRS satellites are not designed for telecommunications. Telecommunications satellites such as the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) series are used for communication purposes including television broadcasting, internet services, and telephony. Traffic studies typically rely on data from ground-based sensors, GPS and other real-time monitoring systems. While satellites can provide broad-scale urban planning data but IRS satellites are not specifically designed for traffic management.

Explanation

The Goldilocks Zone, or habitable zone, refers to the region around a star where conditions are "just right" for liquid water to exist on a planet’s surface--a key factor for life as we know it. This zone depends on the star’s size and temperature. Earth lies within the Sun’s Goldilocks Zone, enabling its rich biodiversity. Exoplanets within their star’s habitable zones, such as Kepler-452b, are prime candidates in the search for extraterrestrial life.