NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Shatters Speed Record, Unravels Mysteries of the Sun



By Nimrah Khatoon• BNN

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has set a new speed record, reaching a speed of 635,266 km/h during its latest approach to the Sun. This speed is faster than any other human-made object and would allow the probe to circle the Earth in less than 6 minutes. The record-breaking speed was achieved with the help of a gravity assist from Venus, which also allowed the probe to get closer to the Sun than ever before.
Exploring and Understanding the Sun’s Corona

The primary mission of the Parker Solar Probe is to explore and understand the Sun’s corona and the behavior of heat, magnetic fields, and solar plasma within it. By studying the Sun up close, the probe aims to uncover the mysteries of solar activity and better predict space weather conditions. This is crucial for protecting sensitive solar-impacted infrastructure on Earth and in space.

The Parker Solar Probe’s previous speed record was set in February 2020 when it orbited the Sun at a speed of 393,044 km/h. The recent speed increase is a significant achievement for the mission and demonstrates the probe’s capabilities in navigating the extreme conditions near the Sun.

Unprecedented Proximity to the Sun

In addition to its speed record, the Parker Solar Probe also holds the record for the shortest distance from the Sun. On September 27, 2023, the probe raced past the Sun at a distance of only 7.26 million kilometers, closer than any previous spacecraft. This close proximity allows the probe to collect valuable data about the Sun’s corona and study phenomena such as solar wind and solar flares.

Impact on Space Weather Prediction and Infrastructure Protection

The data collected by the Parker Solar Probe will also contribute to our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth. Space weather events, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, can disrupt satellite communications, interfere with GPS systems, and pose a threat to astronauts in space. By studying the Sun’s corona and the processes that drive space weather, scientists can develop better models and predictions to mitigate the impact of these events.

The Parker Solar Probe’s mission is part of NASA’s larger effort to explore the Sun and its effects on the solar system. In addition to the Parker Solar Probe, NASA has launched other missions, such as the Solar Dynamics Observatory and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, to study the Sun from different vantage points. These missions work together to provide a comprehensive view of the Sun and its dynamic behavior.

Overall, the Parker Solar Probe’s record-breaking speed and unprecedented proximity to the Sun are significant milestones in our quest to understand the Sun and its effects on our solar system. The data collected by the probe will not only advance our scientific knowledge but also help protect our infrastructure on Earth and in space from the impacts of space weather. As the probe continues its mission, scientists eagerly await the insights it will uncover about our nearest star.