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 stellar wind.

About this subject

Launched on August 12, 2018, the Parker Solar Probe was designed to study the solar corona, the outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere, which is millions of degrees hotter than the surface. The probe was named after astrophysicist Eugene Parker, who predicted the existence of the solar wind in the 1950s. On its elliptical orbit, Parker has already achieved record speeds exceeding 430,000 mph (692,000 km/h), making it the fastest human-made object ever.

To survive the extreme temperatures near the Sun, the spacecraft uses a carbon-composite heat shield 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) thick, capable of enduring over 2,500 °F (1,377 °C). This shield keeps the scientific instruments at a room temperature of about 85 °F (30 °C). Data collected during close approaches have enabled mapping of magnetic fields at unprecedented scales and identification of structures called 'switchbacks' in the solar wind.

The mission has performed multiple Venus flybys to adjust its trajectory and get progressively closer to the Sun. In 2021, Parker became the first spacecraft to 'touch' the Sun, crossing the coronal boundary at an altitude of about 8.1 million miles (13 million km). These measurements are revolutionizing the understanding of phenomena such as solar storms and coronal mass ejections, which affect communication systems and power grids on Earth.

Parker Solar Probe will continue its journey until 2025, when it is scheduled to make its final close approach, just 3.8 million miles (6.1 million km) from the solar surface. The data already transmitted have transformed heliophysics, and discoveries about coronal heating and solar wind acceleration are considered a milestone in space exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main mission of the Parker Solar Probe?

To study the solar corona and solar wind, helping to understand why the corona is hotter than the Sun's surface and how particles are accelerated.

How does the Parker Solar Probe withstand extreme heat?

It uses a carbon-composite heat shield 4.5 inches thick that reflects most radiation and withstands temperatures over 2,500 °F (1,377 °C).

What is the maximum speed achieved by the probe?

Approximately 430,000 mph (692,000 km/h), making it the fastest human-made object ever.