TIFR, particularly its Cosmic Ray and Space Physics Group, has been at the forefront of solar cosmic ray research in India, conducting extensive studies on their properties, propagation, and effects on Earth's atmosphere.

Solar flares, sudden and intense bursts of energy in the Sun's atmosphere, are the primary source of solar cosmic rays. During these flares, high-energy particles are accelerated and ejected into interplanetary space.

Solar cosmic rays typically have energies ranging from 10 MeV to 100 MeV, although some particles can reach energies up to several GeV.

Solar cosmic rays interact with Earth's atmosphere, causing ionization, producing secondary particles, and contributing to the formation of polar stratospheric clouds, which can impact climate and weather patterns.

Neutron monitors are specialized instruments designed to detect and measure the flux of solar cosmic rays by recording the secondary neutrons produced by their interactions in the atmosphere.

Vikram Sarabhai, a prominent Indian physicist and space scientist, played a crucial role in the development of neutron monitors for solar cosmic ray studies in India.

Studying solar cosmic rays is important because it provides valuable information about solar activity, space weather, Sun-Earth interactions, and contributes to our understanding of cosmic radiation and particle physics.

PRL operates a network of neutron monitors across India, contributing to the global monitoring of solar cosmic rays and providing valuable data for scientific research.

Solar cosmic rays can have adverse effects on satellite operations, including causing single-event upsets, disrupting communications, and damaging solar panels, potentially leading to satellite malfunctions or even failures.

Solar cosmic rays can influence Earth's climate through various mechanisms, including affecting cloud formation, contributing to polar stratospheric clouds, and potentially impacting the ozone layer.

Indian scientists actively participate in international collaborations for solar cosmic ray studies, contributing to global neutron monitor networks, participating in space missions, and collaborating on data analysis and modeling efforts.

AstroSat, India's first dedicated astronomy satellite, carries instruments capable of detecting and studying solar cosmic rays, among other celestial phenomena.

The Indian Solar Cosmic Ray Experiment (ISCRE) aims to study the properties and propagation of solar cosmic rays, investigate their impact on Earth's atmosphere and climate, and develop new instruments for solar cosmic ray detection.

Solar cosmic rays can provide valuable information about the Sun's magnetic field, including tracing magnetic field lines in the solar corona, providing insights into differential rotation, and helping determine the Sun's magnetic polarity.

The long-term goal of Indian studies of solar cosmic rays is to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of solar cosmic rays and their effects, develop advanced instruments and techniques for their study, and train future generations of scientists in solar physics.