'Traveling at 700,000 km/h': NASA's Parker Solar Probe reaches Sun to uncover its hidden mysteries
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Credit: NASA
Close Encounter with Venus for Gravity Assist
On November 6, Parker Solar Probe executed a gravity-assist manoeuvre by flying within 234 miles (376 kilometres) of Venus. This slingshot altered its trajectory, bringing it closer to the sun for further research.
Record-Breaking Proximity to the Sun
During its closest solar approach, Parker reached within 3.8 million miles (6 million kilometres) of the sun's surface, traveling at nearly 435,000 mph (700,000 km/h), the fastest speed ever achieved by a human-made object.
Exploring the Mysterious Solar Corona
The probe is studying the corona, the sun’s outer atmosphere, which reaches millions of kelvins—far hotter than the sun’s surface (photosphere), a long-standing scientific puzzle.
Role of Magnetic Fields in Heating the Corona
Parker revealed that magnetic fields are key to corona heating. Turbulent plasma and magnetic-field interactions, known as "switchbacks," play a significant role in transferring energy to the corona.
Understanding Switchbacks
These S-shaped magnetic-field kinks form in the photosphere, travel into the corona, and dissipate energy, providing insights into the mechanisms behind the sun’s high temperatures.
The Role of Helium and Energy Efficiency
The probe uncovered how helium ionization impacts heat retention in the corona, explaining why relatively small amounts of energy suffice to heat this region to extreme temperatures.
Advanced Instruments on Board
Parker is equipped with four instrument suites (FIELDS, WISPR, IS-O-IS, SWEAP) that measure magnetic fields, solar winds, and plasma dynamics to create a comprehensive picture of solar activity.
Implications for Space Weather Prediction
Understanding the sun’s magnetic fields helps forecast space weather, which can affect satellites, space missions, and Earth-based infrastructure like power grids. These findings enhance our ability to prepare for solar storms.