A NASA spacecraft has achieved a remarkable feat by enduring the closest approach to the Sun ever recorded after scientists received communication from the Parker Solar Probe just before midnight EST on Thursday (05:00 GMT on Friday) after several days of silence during its scorching fly-by.
NASA confirmed that the probe was “safe” and functioning normally after it came within just 6.1 million kilometres from the surface of the Sun.
The probe entered our star’s outer atmosphere on Christmas Eve, withstanding extreme temperatures and significant radiation as part of its mission to enhance our knowledge of solar mechanics.
NASA awaited anxiously for a signal, which was anticipated at 05:00 GMT on December 28. Travelling at speeds of up to 430,000 mph (692,000 kph), the spacecraft experienced temperatures reaching 1,800°F (980°C), as the NASA website details.
Launched in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe set out towards the heart of our solar system. It had previously completed 21 passes by the Sun, gradually getting closer, but the visit on Christmas Eve set a new record.
The probe withstood temperatures of 1,400°C and radiation intense enough to damage the onboard electronics potentially. It was safeguarded by a shield made of carbon composite, which is 11.5 cm (4.5 in) thick, but the spacecraft’s strategy was to enter and exit quickly.
It progressed faster than any human-made object, racing at 430,000 mph – comparable to flying from London to New York in under 30 seconds. Parker’s incredible speed resulted from the enormous gravitational force it experienced while descending towards the Sun.
