The NASA probe will fly through the atmosphere of the Sun

NASA experts spoke about the first mission to the Sun, during which the spacecraft will approach the star at a record close distance. The Parker probe Solar Probe, previously known as Solar Probe Plus was renamed in honor of the 89-year-old astronomer Eugene Parker, almost 60 years ago predicted the existence of the solar wind. The launch will take place in the 20-day period between 31 July and 19 August 2018.

NASA experts spoke about the first mission to the Sun, during which the spacecraft will approach the star at a record close distance. Explore the solar atmosphere depart the Parker probe Solar Probe, previously known as Solar Probe Plus. It was renamed in honor of the 89-year-old astronomer Eugene Parker, almost 60 years ago predicted the existence of the solar wind. The launch will take place in the 20-day period between 31 July and 19 August 2018.

“Touch” star

The probe at the speed of 700,000 km/h will pass through the solar corona — the upper atmosphere where the flow of ionizing particles travel at supersonic speed. Shell made of composite material with carbon fiber will allow Parker Solar Probe can withstand temperatures up to 1400 °C, and a set of four scientific instruments will take the solar wind to study the magnetic field, plasma and energetic charged particles.

Within seven years of interplanetary station will execute 24 orbit before approaching the Sun at a minimum distance of 6.27 million kilometres, which is seven times closer than any spacecraft before. The first flight will happen in November 2018 at a distance of 24 million kilometers.

The mission will allow NASA to learn more about the distribution of energy and heat in the solar atmosphere and to understand the mechanism of the acceleration of the solar wind. This will contribute to the understanding of the processes occurring in other stars.

Sources: NASA, Guardian