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.

Parker Solar Probe Breaks Record, Unlocks Sun’s Mysteries

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.