8 sources·Science

NASA's Parker Solar Probe Makes Historic Closest Approach to the Sun

NASA's Parker Solar Probe reached an unparalleled distance of 3.8 million miles from the Sun during its recent flyby, enabling groundbreaking solar studies.

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Updated: Dec 27th, 2024, 3:22 PM ET

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On December 24, NASA's Parker Solar Probe made history by coming within 3.8 million miles of the Sun, the closest any spacecraft has ever reached. Traveling at 430,000 mph, this milestone allows researchers to gather crucial data about solar dynamics, solar wind, and the mystery of the corona's extreme temperatures. After several days of silence, NASA confirmed the probe is safe and operational, with detailed data expected on January 1, 2024. This mission represents a significant leap in our understanding of solar behavior and its effects on Earth's environment.

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