Parker Solar Probe Sets New Records with Scorching Flyby of the SunNASA's Parker Solar Probe Embarks on Historic Journey Into the Sun's Atmosphere
A NASA spacecraft is on the brink of making history with the closest-ever approach to the Sun.
The Parker Solar Probe is diving into the Sun's outer atmosphere, braving intense heat and extreme radiation. During this daring flyby, the spacecraft will be out of communication for several days. Scientists eagerly await a signal, expected on 27 December, to confirm if the probe has withstood the ordeal.
This groundbreaking mission aims to deepen our understanding of how the Sun functions, unlocking mysteries of its behavior and influence.
Dr. Nicola Fox, NASA's head of science, shared with BBC News: "For centuries, people have studied the Sun, but you don't truly experience the atmosphere of a place until you actually go there. We can't fully grasp the atmosphere of our star without flying through it."
The Parker Solar Probe is redefining humanity's exploration of the Sun, bringing us closer than ever to unlocking its secrets.
The spacecraft will journey into the Sun's outer atmosphere.Parker Solar Probe Sets New Record on Its Mission to the Sun
Launched in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe is on an unprecedented journey to the heart of our solar system.
The spacecraft has already completed 21 close passes of the Sun, each one drawing it nearer. However, its Christmas Eve flyby is truly record-breaking. At its closest, the probe will be just 3.8 million miles (6.2 million km) from the Sun's surface.
While this might not seem close by everyday standards, NASA's Dr. Nicola Fox offers a striking comparison: "We are 93 million miles from the Sun. If you scale that distance down to one meter, Parker Solar Probe would be just four centimeters from the Sun—so that's close."
The probe must endure searing temperatures of 1,400°C and intense radiation that could severely damage its systems. It is safeguarded by an 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) thick carbon-composite shield. To survive such extreme conditions, the spacecraft’s strategy is to move swiftly in and out of the Sun's atmosphere.
In fact, Parker Solar Probe is breaking another record as the fastest human-made object ever, traveling at a staggering 430,000 mph—equivalent to flying from London to New York in under 30 seconds.
Why "Touching" the Sun Matters
The Parker Solar Probe’s daring mission to “touch” the Sun isn’t just about setting records—it’s about solving profound scientific mysteries.
As the spacecraft ventures into the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, researchers hope to uncover the reason behind an enduring enigma.
“The corona is really, really hot, and we have no idea why,” explains Dr. Jenifer Millard, an astronomer at Fifth Star Labs in Wales. “The surface of the Sun is about 6,000°C, but the corona—the tenuous outer atmosphere visible during solar eclipses—reaches millions of degrees, even though it’s further from the Sun. So, how is that atmosphere getting hotter?”
The mission also aims to deepen our understanding of the solar wind—a constant stream of charged particles flowing out from the corona. When these particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field, they create stunning auroras.
However, this “space weather” can also wreak havoc, disrupting power grids, electronics, and communication systems.
“Understanding the Sun, its activity, space weather, and the solar wind is crucial for our everyday lives on Earth,” says Dr. Millard.
NASA Awaits Signal From Parker Solar Probe During High-Stakes Flyby
NASA scientists are bracing for an anxious wait over Christmas as the Parker Solar Probe temporarily loses contact with Earth during its daring approach to the Sun.
Nicola Fox, NASA's head of science, reveals a unique tradition among the team: once the spacecraft successfully sends a signal back, they text her a green heart emoji to confirm the probe is safe.
While Fox admits to feeling nervous about the high-risk mission, she remains confident in the spacecraft's resilience.
"I’ll worry about the spacecraft," she says. "But we’ve really designed it to endure these brutal, brutal conditions. It’s a tough, tough little spacecraft."
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