The Christmas Eve just passed gave space exploration, you know, an unforgettable moment: the Parker Solar Probe, the tireless explorer of our star, has come closer to the Sun than any other man-made object had ever dared to do before, in an all-time record-breaking “contact.”
A hot kiss
Imagine travelling the distance from Naples to Milan in just 15 seconds: This is the incredible speed of the Parker Solar Probe, which is hurtling through space at over 692.000 km/h. Passing just 6,1 million km from the surface of the Sun (a mere breath, in astronomical terms), the probe has once again demonstrated that “impossible” is just a word.
An armor against the fiery dragon
How did Parker Solar Probe not melt during its close approach to the Sun? That's the question everyone is asking. The secret lies in its heat shield, an engineering jewel as thick as a mattress, which allowed it to survive temperatures capable of evaporating any metal.
It's as if the probe had donned a magical armor to face the most fiery dragon we know "up close". And now, after the record, what's cooking?
Parker Solar Probe, the journey continues
2025 starts with great news, from the first data analyzed by our intrepid explorer. First of all, those on its "health": the Parker Solar Probe is in perfect shape. Its electronic "eyes" will still scrutinize the Mysteries of the Sun, sending us precious data capable of rewriting the astronomy books. Yes, because it doesn't end here.
In March and June of this year, Parker will once again graze our star in two new close passes that are all to follow (and in fact we will follow them for you).
These will not only be more record-breaking moments, but new opportunities that will help scientists solve puzzles that have tormented us for centuries. Why is the solar corona so hot? How do solar winds arise? Thanks to this extraordinary mission, we are finally finding the answers.
Parker Solar Probe, a look into the future
As Parker continues her dance with the Sun, the Solar orbiter ESA observes the solar poles, creating a perfect synergy between the two missions. It's like having two eyes looking at the same spectacle from complementary angles.
It is proof that humanity can always push itself further, challenging limits that seemed insurmountable.
Parker Solar Probe & company are writing the future of space exploration, one chapter at a time. As it continues its journey through solar hell, it reminds us that human curiosity knows no bounds. In the silence of space, this small but brave probe continues to dance with solar flames, bringing us discoveries that will forever change our understanding of the universe.
