What To Know
- A storied missionIn 1958, the National Research Council (NRC) in the United States identified the importance of studying the Sun up close.
- Understanding the temperatures of the solar coronaInvestigating solar wind acceleration phenomenaMeasuring emissions from energetic particlesBy achieving these goals, scientists hope to enhance our knowledge about the Sun and improve space weather forecasting crucial for safeguarding satellites and terrestrial infrastructures.
- A new perspective on our solar systemThe data collected by Parker Solar Probe is transforming our understanding of how the Sun influences our entire solar system.
Exploring the Sun closer than ever before, a revolutionary probe shatters records and expands our understanding of solar phenomena.
a storied mission
In 1958, the National Research Council (NRC) in the United States identified the importance of studying the Sun up close. NASA pursued this ambitious goal for decades, culminating in the launch of the Parker Solar Probe on August 12, 2018. The mission represents a milestone in space exploration, as it aims to study our star like never before.
honoring a pioneer
The Parker Solar Probe is named after Eugene Parker, an eminent figure in solar astrophysics. This marks the first time NASA has named a mission after a living scientist, acknowledging Parker’s groundbreaking work in heliophysics and solar winds.
bold objectives
The probe weighs approximately 1,510 pounds and carries an array of sophisticated instruments designed to examine various facets of the Sun. Its key objectives include:
- Understanding the temperatures of the solar corona
- Investigating solar wind acceleration phenomena
- Measuring emissions from energetic particles
By achieving these goals, scientists hope to enhance our knowledge about the Sun and improve space weather forecasting crucial for safeguarding satellites and terrestrial infrastructures.
cutting-edge technology
Parker Solar Probe incorporates pioneering technology to withstand extreme conditions near the Sun. Its innovative carbon-composite heat shield is only about 4.5 inches thick and protects against temperatures reaching over 2,500°F. Despite this intense heat, onboard instruments remain at a comfortable temperature of around 85°F.
a groundbreaking journey
The probe executes a series of elliptical orbits around the Sun. It initially utilized Venus’s gravitational pull to propel itself closer to our star, planning a total of 22 flybys by December 2024. During its closest approach, it will skim past the Sun at just over 3.83 million miles while maintaining an extraordinary speed of approximately 430,000 mph. This proximity allows it to gather unique data on both the solar corona and nascent solar winds with each pass.
revolutionary discoveries
Parker Solar Probe has already delivered fascinating insights since its launch. Among its discoveries are “switchbacks,” S-shaped structures within solar winds possibly critical for particle acceleration. The probe also observed rapid magnetic field reversals and “dust” from vaporized rocks orbiting near the Sun.
a new perspective on our solar system
The data collected by Parker Solar Probe is transforming our understanding of how the Sun influences our entire solar system. By examining solar winds at their source, researchers aim to better comprehend how this stream of charged particles impacts Earth and other planets—crucial for predicting and mitigating effects from solar storms on modern technology.
a feat of engineering triumph
The development of Parker Solar Probe required major innovations in space engineering. In addition to its heat shield, it features an advanced cooling system using pressurized water to keep its solar panels optimally functional. These technological advances promise applications beyond space exploration, particularly in fields such as energy production and high-performance materials.
future implications for space exploration
The success of Parker Solar Probe paves the way for even more daring future solar missions. The technologies honed during this mission—especially concerning thermal protection and navigation close to the Sun—could be deployed in subsequent projects that push further into understanding our cosmic neighborhood.
