Parker solar probe sun

The Parker Solar Probe is NASA's spacecraft that has come closest to the Sun, unveiling secrets of the solar corona and solar wind.

About this subject

Launched on August 12, 2018, the Parker Solar Probe is a NASA mission designed to study the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona. It is the first spacecraft to "touch" the Sun, passing through the corona at a record distance of about 6.2 million kilometers from the solar surface. The probe uses a carbon-composite heat shield, 11.4 cm thick, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,400°C. During its orbit, Parker collects data on magnetic fields, energetic particles, and the solar wind, helping to understand phenomena such as coronal mass ejections and solar storms. By 2025, the probe will complete 24 close approaches to the Sun, each closer than the last, ultimately reaching a top speed of 690,000 km/h, making it the fastest human-made object ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest distance the Parker Solar Probe has reached to the Sun?

The Parker Solar Probe has come as close as about 6.2 million kilometers from the Sun's surface, breaking its own records with each pass.

How does the Parker Solar Probe avoid melting?

It uses a 11.4 cm thick carbon foam heat shield that reflects the heat, keeping the instruments at room temperature.

What is the top speed of the Parker Solar Probe?

The probe reaches speeds up to 690,000 km/h, making it the fastest human-made object ever.