Nasa makes history with closest-ever approach to Sun

NASA has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully sending a spacecraft closer to the Sun than any other spacecraft has ever been. The Parker Solar Probe, which is designed to study the Sun, made its closest approach on Christmas Eve, and scientists were thrilled to receive a signal from it just before midnight on Thursday. This signal confirmed that the probe was safe and functioning normally after it had been out of contact for several days during its intense fly-by. The probe came within 3. 8 million miles of the Sun's surface, a distance that may seem far but is incredibly close when considering that Earth is about 93 million miles away from the Sun. To put it into perspective, if the distance between the Sun and Earth were reduced to one meter, the Parker Solar Probe would be just 4 centimeters away from the Sun. This mission is significant because it allows scientists to gather valuable data about the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona. The Parker Solar Probe was launched in 2018 and has already completed 21 orbits around the Sun, getting progressively closer with each pass. During its latest approach, the probe experienced extreme temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and faced intense radiation that could potentially damage its electronics. However, the spacecraft is equipped with a robust carbon-composite shield that protects it from the harsh conditions. The Parker Solar Probe travels at incredible speeds, reaching up to 430,000 miles per hour, making it the fastest human-made object ever. This speed is a result of the strong gravitational pull from the Sun as the probe descends into its atmosphere. Scientists are eager to learn more about the Sun's corona, which is much hotter than the Sun's surface. The surface temperature of the Sun is around 6,000 degrees Celsius, but the corona can reach millions of degrees. This temperature difference is puzzling, and researchers hope that the data collected by the Parker Solar Probe will help them understand why the corona is so hot. Additionally, the mission aims to provide insights into the solar wind, a continuous stream of charged particles that escape from the Sun. When these particles interact with Earth's magnetic field, they create stunning auroras in the sky. However, solar wind can also disrupt power grids and communication systems on Earth, making it crucial for scientists to study the Sun's activity and its impact on our planet. Dr. Jenifer Millard, an astronomer, emphasized the importance of understanding the Sun and its behavior, as it directly affects our daily lives. The team at NASA was anxious while waiting for the probe's signal over the Christmas holiday, but they remained hopeful. Dr. Fox, the head of science at NASA, expressed her confidence in the probe's design and its ability to withstand the extreme conditions it would encounter. This mission represents a significant step forward in our quest to unravel the mysteries of our star, the Sun, and its influence on Earth.