Spacecraft Attempts Closest-Ever Approach to the Sun
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is making history with an unprecedented journey into the Sun’s outer atmosphere, enduring extreme heat and radiation in the process.
Record-Breaking Fly-By
The Parker Solar Probe is set to become the first spacecraft to venture this close to our star, breaking previous records during its daring plunge. As it travels through the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of its atmosphere, the spacecraft will face scorching temperatures and intense radiation.
Awaiting a Signal
NASA scientists will have to wait several days to confirm the probe’s survival. Communication with the spacecraft is expected to resume at 05:00 GMT on 28 December, when it will send a signal back to Earth.
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Sun
The mission’s goal is to deepen our understanding of the Sun’s behavior, including its magnetic fields, solar winds, and coronal heating, which has puzzled scientists for decades.
Dr. Nicola Fox, head of NASA’s science division, explained the significance of the mission:
“For centuries, people have studied the Sun, but you don’t experience the atmosphere of a place until you actually go visit it. We can’t truly understand the atmosphere of our star unless we fly through it.”
A Historical Milestone
The Parker Solar Probe’s journey builds on NASA’s longstanding commitment to solar research. Previous milestones include its historic pass through the Sun’s atmosphere and its dramatic launch in 2018 to embark on this groundbreaking mission.
This fly-by represents a monumental step in unraveling the Sun’s mysteries and advancing our knowledge of the universe. Scientists around the world eagerly await the data it will send back, hoping for insights that could transform our understanding of solar physics.
