NASA’s Solar Probe which was launched to space in August 2018, is set to become the nearest spacecraft to the Sun. The first set of observations were published in the recent issue of a leading science journal Nature. They include the discovery of a new phenomenon: the bizarre ‘switchbacks’ in the solar wind that flows off the surface of the Sun. This further gives insights into the processes that drive solar wind and how it couples with solar rotation.
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During the switchbacks observed, the solar magnetic field swings back until it points directly back at the Sun, which scientists suggest can change our past theories of the corona and solar wind.
With cutting-edge scientific instruments, this NASA probe is designed to use Venus’s gravity using seven flybys over nearly seven years to gradually inch closer to the Sun in order to study it up and close.
Reports say that this shall help the researchers predict the space weather around the Earth and can be crucial in protecting astronauts and technology in space.
As this news piece is being written, Parker is revolving the Sun from a distance of 126 million kilometres while completing its fourth orbit around it.
Curiopedia
NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration s an independent agency of the United States Federal Government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. Established in 1958, succeeding the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), it is supporting the International Space Station and is overseeing the development of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, the Space Launch System and Commercial Crew vehicles. It is also responsible for the Launch Services Program which provides oversight of launch operations and countdown management for uncrewed NASA launches. More Info
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