NASA has announced that on August 12, 2018, a probe was launched with plans to fly near the Sun on December 24, 2024, at an incredible speed of 195 kilometers per second. This mission aims to obtain the first-ever sample of the star’s atmosphere.
Described by NASA as the “touching the Sun” project, it poses a significant scientific challenge that could provide incredibly valuable information about our closest star. Scientists are both concerned and excited about the possibilities that this mission can unlock.
Nour Raouafi, a scientist involved in the project, describes it as “almost landing on a star.” This extraordinary endeavor holds similar significance for humanity as the Moon landing in 1969.
Will the probe actually touch the Sun?
No, the probe will not touch the Sun, but it will fly close enough to gather information about the star’s atmosphere.
What can this mission bring us?
The mission of the probe to the Sun aims to obtain the first-ever sample of the star’s atmosphere. This can provide valuable insights to scientists and expand our knowledge about the Sun.
Sources:
BBC – www.bbc.co.uk
The source of the article is from the blog scimag.news