# NASA’s Parker Probe Prepares for Historic Close Approach to the Sun
The Parker Solar Probe, designed by NASA, is set to make history today as it embarks on its closest approach to the sun, flying at an astonishing speed of 435,000mph. This makes it the fastest human-built object ever. The spacecraft will soar just 3.8 million miles above the sun’s surface, venturing into the corona, the sun’s super-heated outer atmosphere.
## The High-Stakes Mission
As the Parker Probe dives towards the sun, its front is anticipated to reach a scorching 1,400C, a temperature that poses a significant risk to the spacecraft’s survival. The critical moment of truth will arrive on 27 December when scientists back on Earth await the signal indicating the probe’s well-being. Yanping Guo, the mission design and navigation manager, likened the spacecraft to a “baby,” expressing her confidence in a successful outcome despite the nerve-wracking wait.
## Unveiling the Mysteries of the Sun
The Parker Solar Probe, launched in August 2018, is making its 22nd orbit around the sun, marking the closest encounter it will experience. Researchers are eager for the wealth of data the probe will gather to deepen our understanding of the sun. A recent analysis by a team at Imperial College London uncovered vital insights into the sun’s magnetic field, revealing the underlying mechanisms driving the million-mile-an-hour solar wind.
## The Implications for Earth
Professor Tim Horbury, leading the research, emphasized the importance of comprehending the solar wind’s impact on Earth. Not only does it fuel the mesmerizing auroras, but it also poses threats to astronauts, satellites, and even power grids due to its radiation. By unraveling the mysteries of the sun’s outer atmosphere, scientists aim to enhance predictions and safeguard vital technologies from space-borne hazards.
## A Decades-Long Journey to the Sun
The concept of a mission to probe the sun was conceived in 1958, yet it took decades of technological advancements to engineer a spacecraft capable of enduring the sun’s extreme conditions. The Parker Solar Probe’s colossal heat shield plays a pivotal role in shielding its instruments from the sun’s intense heat, underscoring the remarkable fusion of scientific ambition and engineering prowess.
The Parker Probe’s upcoming orbit signals a pivotal moment in our quest to demystify the sun’s enigmatic workings and fortify our defenses against the solar onslaught. Amidst the ingenuity and peril of this interstellar odyssey lies a testament to human resilience and curiosity, propelling us closer to the heart of our celestial neighbor.
