NASA’s Parker Solar Probe: The fastest human-made object |
NASA‘s Parker Solar Probe has accomplished an extraordinary feat, reaffirming its position as the fastest human-made object ever recorded. According to NASA, on June 29, the probe reached an astonishing speed of 635,266 km (394,736 miles) per hour, equaling its previous speed record set in 2018 since its launch.
Interesting facts: NASA Parker Solar Probe
- Unprecedented exploration of the Sun’s outer corona
The primary objective of the Parker Solar Probe is to explore the Sun’s outer corona, a mysterious region extending millions of kilometres into space. This layer of the Sun’s atmosphere is extraordinarily hot, with temperatures ranging from 1-3 million degrees Celsius, significantly hotter than the Sun’s surface.
- Scientific discoveries and insights
Operating closer to the Sun than any previous spacecraft, the Parker Solar Probe orbits within Mercury’s orbit, collecting critical data on the origins and evolution of solar wind. This mission is vital for advancing space weather forecasting, which is essential for protecting technology and life on Earth.
- Technological resilience and mission details
Protected by a sturdy 11.43 cm carbon-composite shield, the Parker Solar Probe can withstand temperatures up to 1,377 degrees Celsius (2,500 degrees Fahrenheit). This robust barrier enables the spacecraft to endure the extreme conditions of its planned seven-year mission, which involves completing 24 orbits around the Sun.
- Future goals and projected achievements
NASA expects that the Parker Solar Probe will reach even higher speeds, approaching around 692,000 km (430,000 miles) per hour by its closest approach to the Sun in 2025. This velocity is comparable to travelling from Washington, D.C. to Tokyo in under a minute.
- Legacy of Dr. Eugene N. Parker
Named in honour of Dr. Eugene N. Parker, an astrophysicist whose groundbreaking research on solar wind laid the foundation for this mission, the Parker Solar Probe continues to push the limits of space exploration. Dr. Parker, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 94, had the privilege of witnessing the historic launch of the probe named after him.
Since its launch in 2018, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has been on a mission to study the Sun’s corona, a challenging task due to the extreme conditions near our star. In April 2021, the probe reached a significant milestone by making its first close pass through the Sun’s corona, collecting valuable data that cannot be obtained from Earth.
The probe orbits the Sun at an unprecedented proximity, closer than any previous spacecraft, enabling it to gather unique insights into solar phenomena. Its observations include collecting plasma samples and measuring magnetic field changes, contributing to a comprehensive dataset that enhances our understanding of solar activity and its impact on space weather.
Shielded by a state-of-the-art carbon-composite barrier, the Parker Solar Probe withstands temperatures exceeding 1,300 degrees Celsius (2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) during its closest approaches to the Sun. This technological resilience allows the probe to continue its mission despite the harsh conditions of space.
Named in honour of Dr. Eugene N. Parker, whose groundbreaking theories revolutionised our understanding of the Sun, the Parker Solar Probe stands as a testament to scientific innovation and exploration. Dr. Parker’s pioneering work in the 1950s laid the groundwork for studying solar wind, a critical aspect of solar research that the probe continues to investigate today.
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