On Monday, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe reached another milestone as it zipped past the Sun at a staggering speed of 394,736 mph (635,360 km/h). This marks the fastest speed ever recorded by a human-made object and is part of the probe’s mission to study our star up close.
Exploring the Sun’s Mysteries
The Parker Solar Probe was launched in August 2018 with the primary goal of exploring the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, which remains one of the most mysterious regions of space.
During its mission, the probe will make a total of 24 close passes by the Sun, gradually getting closer and closer to the star’s surface. On these passes, the probe will study the Sun’s magnetic fields, the solar wind, and other phenomena that can have a significant impact on Earth and our technology.
The probe’s journey to the Sun is not an easy one, as it must withstand extreme heat and radiation. To protect the sensitive instruments, the probe is equipped with a special heat shield that can withstand temperatures up to 2,500°F (1,370°C).