NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, launched in 2018, is set to achieve a record-breaking close approach to the sun on Tuesday, flying within 3.8 million miles (6 million kilometers) of its surface. This is seven times closer than any previous spacecraft.
Traveling at a speed of 430,000 mph (690,000 kph), Parker is equipped with a heat shield that can endure temperatures up to 2,500°F (1,371°C). The mission aims to study why the sun’s corona is significantly hotter than its surface and to understand the solar wind that affects Earth.
Parker will maintain this close orbit until at least September. Scientists hope the data will provide insights into solar storms, which can disrupt communications and power on Earth. The sun is currently at its 11-year activity peak, causing auroras in unusual locations.
Source – CGTN