Humanity has taken a small step closer to the Sun, thanks to NASA’s Parker Solar Probe. It has now become the closest man-made object to the Sun, reaching just 6 million kilometers from its surface.
Currently, the probe is in a position where it cannot communicate with Earth due to a temporary signal blackout. By December 27, it is expected to return to a position where communication will be restored, allowing scientists to analyze the data collected during this period.
Despite the communication blackout, the probe was functioning normally as of the last update received on December 20. Scientists are hopeful the mission has continued successfully.
Although 6 million kilometers may seem far, the probe has entered the Sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona. This region holds key secrets about the Sun’s behavior, which is vital for understanding solar winds, solar mass ejections, and even the habitability of planets beyond our solar system.
Launched on August 12, 2018, the Parker Solar Probe is the fastest human-made object, traveling at a speed 500 times faster than sound.
It is protected by a cutting-edge carbon-composite shield, just as thick as a smartphone, designed to withstand extreme temperatures from 1,000°C to -1,000°C.
With one year left in its seven-year mission, Parker continues to send valuable data, bringing us closer to unraveling the mysteries of the Sun.
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