The Parker Solar Probe, which was launched on August 12, 2018, has one incredible task to accomplish – to approach the Sun at a distance of 6.1 million kilometers. Although it may sound like a lot, in the scale of the cosmos, it is actually a very small distance. According to calculations by NASA scientists, after more than six years of travel, the probe should reach its destination on Christmas Eve 2024.
Nour Raouafi, a scientist working on the project, highlights the analogy of landing on a star. Indeed, approaching our star at such a distance is extremely difficult and requires advanced technological solutions. The probe must withstand extreme temperatures and solar radiation that far exceed those we experience on Earth.
The mission of the Parker Solar Probe is to study the Sun’s corona – the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere. This region is many times hotter than the surface of the Sun itself, and its behavior and properties still remain a mystery to us. Studying this mysterious corona will help us better understand the processes occurring around our star and may provide valuable insights into other stars in the universe.
The Parker Solar Probe mission is an incredibly exciting project that will bring us new knowledge about the Sun and the cosmos. Thanks to it, scientists will gain valuable data that will deepen our understanding not only of our star, but also of the enigmatic world that surrounds it.
FAQ:
How long will the journey of Parker Solar Probe take?
The probe’s journey will last over six years, with the estimated arrival time at its destination being Christmas Eve 2024.
What is the solar corona?
The solar corona is the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, which is many times hotter than its surface.
What are the goals of the Parker Solar Probe mission?
The mission of the probe is to study the solar corona and understand the processes occurring around our star.
(Sources: NASA)
The source of the article is from the blog kunsthuisoaleer.nl