Parker Solar Probe Breaks Record, Unlocks Sun’s Mysteries
Why in the News ?
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe reached just 6 million km from the Sun’s surface on March 22, 2025, setting a new record. It continues to study solar wind, corona, and magnetic fields, providing crucial insights into space weather and solar activity.
Highlights of the Mission:
- The Parker Solar Probe, launched by NASA in August 2018, is the first spacecraft to fly through the Sun’s outer atmosphere.
- On March 22, 2025, it reached 6 million km from the Sun’s surface, continuing its 24 planned orbits.
- The probe is designed to withstand extreme heat (over 1,300°C) with a specialized heat shield.
- It achieves record-breaking speeds of 692,000 km/h, using Venus’ gravity to gradually move closer to the Sun.
Scientific Discoveries
- The probe entered the Sun’s corona in 2021, a major milestone in solar research.
- It discovered magnetic switchbacks, sudden reversals in the Sun’s magnetic field.
- Identified dust-free zones near the Sun, shedding light on solar wind origins.
- The onboard instruments FIELDS, ISoIS, SWEAP, and WISPR analyze the Sun’s magnetic field, plasma, and solar wind.
Significance and Comparison with Aditya-L1
- Data from the probe helps understand space weather, protecting satellites and power grids on Earth.
- Unlike India’s Aditya-L1, which observes the Sun from Lagrange Point L1, Parker Solar Probe collects direct data from the Sun’s outer layers.
- Together, these missions enhance our knowledge of solar activity and its effects on Earth.
Key Facts About Parker Solar Probe:
About Parker Solar Probe:
- Launched in 2018, named after Eugene Newman Parker, a solar astrophysicist.
- First NASA mission named after a living scientist and first to explore within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s corona.
- Equipped with an advanced carbon-composite heat shield to endure extreme heat.
Objectives of Parker Solar Probe
- Approach within 6.5 million km of the Sun to study energy flow and corona heating.
- Investigate the source of solar winds affecting space weather.
- Examine plasma structure, magnetic fields, and acceleration of energetic particles.
Why Study the Sun’s Corona?
- The corona is hotter than the Sun’s surface.
- Solar wind impacts Earth’s magnetic field and communication systems.
- Helps in predicting space weather changes affecting satellites and technology.