NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has made history by flying through the atmosphere of the Sun on Christmas Eve, becoming the closest human-made object to reach a star. Launched in August 2018, the spacecraft was designed to study the Sun’s atmosphere and has completed more than 20 orbits around the planet.
On December 25, the probe flew within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s surface at 6:53 a.m. EST, making it the closest approach yet. During this flyby, Parker will dive through plumes of plasma still attached to the Sun, similar to duck-diving under an ocean wave.
The spacecraft is equipped with a 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite shield that can withstand temperatures of up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows it to gather crucial data about the Sun’s atmosphere and solar eruptions.
Scientists will be unable to communicate with Parker until December 27, when the probe sends another signal to confirm its status. By January 2025, Parker will have a clear view of Earth, allowing it to start sending data back to scientists.
The Parker Solar Probe has already made history by becoming the first spacecraft to fly through the Sun’s upper atmosphere in December 2021. Its historic flight on Christmas Eve marks another major milestone in the mission.
Source: https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/nasas-parker-solar-probe-makes-history-sun-christmas-eve