NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Embarks on Second Solar Encounter
NEW YORK — A NASA spacecraft is poised for another close approach to the sun, marking the second of three planned flybys through the sun’s scorching atmosphere.
Record-Breaking Proximity to the Sun
The Parker Solar Probe previously achieved a record-breaking feat in December, venturing within 3.8 million miles (6 million kilometers) of the sun’s surface. This unprecedented flyby was the closest any human-made object had ever come to the star.
Second Flyby Out of Communication Range
Mission plans called for a repeat of this close solar pass on Saturday. Due to the spacecraft’s position during the flyby, the mission team will be out of communication and anticipates re-establishing contact with Parker on Tuesday afternoon.
Fastest Spacecraft Achieves Maximum Velocity
Parker, the fastest spacecraft ever constructed, is expected to reach a peak velocity of 430,000 mph (690,000 kph) during this closest solar approach.
Exploring the Sun’s Corona
Launched in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe’s mission is to conduct an in-depth study of the sun. The spacecraft has already traversed the sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.
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Unlocking Solar Mysteries
Scientists are hopeful that the data gathered by Parker will provide valuable insights into two critical solar phenomena:
- Coronal Heating: Understanding why the corona’s temperature is significantly higher than the sun’s surface.
- Solar Wind Acceleration: Determining the mechanisms that drive the supersonic stream of charged particles emanating from the sun.
These investigations are crucial for advancing our knowledge of solar physics and space weather.