NASA is set to launch the Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission on February 27, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission aims to study the Sun’s corona and its connection to the solar wind, which shapes the heliosphere surrounding the solar system.
The PUNCH mission combines two major areas of heliophysics: solar physics and solar wind physics. It will create 3D observations of the inner heliosphere, helping scientists understand the transition between the Sun’s corona and the solar wind. This knowledge is crucial for space weather phenomena.
Unlike traditional space missions, PUNCH involves a constellation of four small satellites in low Earth orbit. Each satellite will be positioned at different locations to provide a complete view of the Sun’s outer atmosphere and the solar wind.
The mission features a narrow-field imager that simulates an artificial solar eclipse, allowing for continuous observation of the sun’s corona in high definition. A polarimeter will also study the polarisation of light scattered by the solar wind, creating 3D maps of its evolution as it travels through space.
PUNCH is expected to improve space weather forecasting by providing three-dimensional data on solar wind events. This could lead to better predictions of solar storms, which can impact space infrastructure and astronauts. The mission will work alongside other solar missions, like NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, to create comprehensive data sets on the Sun’s behavior and its effect on our solar system.
Source: https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/artificial-solar-eclispe-nasa-to-launch-punch-mission-via-spacex-falcon-rocket-this-month-8696773