NASA has achieved a historic milestone by sending its Parker Solar Probe spacecraft just 3.8 million miles from the surface of the sun. The probe successfully completed its closest-ever approach on Christmas Eve, enduring extreme temperatures and radiation in the process.
The spacecraft, which launched in 2018, has already made multiple flybys of the sun, but this record-breaking visit marks a significant milestone in understanding the sun’s behavior. By studying the sun’s atmosphere, scientists hope to answer long-standing questions about why the corona is so hot, despite being farther away from the sun than its surface.
The Parker Solar Probe is designed to withstand extreme conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 1,800F (980C) and radiation that could damage electronics. The spacecraft’s carbon-composite shield protected it during the flyby, but its speed of over 430,000mph allowed it to quickly pass through the sun’s atmosphere.
The probe is crucial for understanding solar wind, a constant stream of charged particles bursting out from the corona. These particles can cause problems on Earth, including knocking out power grids and communication systems. By studying the sun’s behavior, scientists aim to better understand space weather and its impact on our planet.
NASA’s scientists faced an anxious wait over Christmas while the spacecraft was out of touch with Earth, but they were relieved when a signal was received just before midnight EST. The agency confirmed that the probe is safe and operating normally after its historic flyby.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgrwdxpljyxo