NASA’s Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission has taken its first images in space, providing a glimpse into the solar corona and heliosphere. The four-satellite constellation is equipped with cutting-edge instruments that will help researchers understand how the sun’s energy behaves.
The PUNCH spacecraft consists of four satellites orbiting each other, forming an 8,000-mile-wide (12,900-kilometer-wide) space weather detector. Its mission aims to observe the solar wind, which causes auroras on Earth and can interfere with electronics.
To achieve this, PUNCH uses advanced cameras that can capture the faintest edges of the solar corona and solar wind. However, removing the light from distant stars and interplanetary dust is crucial for accurate observation. The spacecraft’s rocket engines are also noteworthy – they’re water-powered and extremely small, allowing PUNCH to maintain a stable orbit.
The 90-day commissioning period has just begun, with the science mission set to start in June. These initial steps ensure that PUNCH properly filters out light interference, paving the way for valuable insights into solar wind dynamics.
By monitoring the sun’s behavior, PUNCH will help scientists prepare for solar storms and their impact on Earth’s power grid. This is a crucial area of research, as it can have significant effects on electronics and daily life.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/a-mission-to-take-sick-images-of-the-sun-got-its-first-test-shots-back-2000591232