Delhi to New York in 61 seconds: NASA's Parker Solar Probe sails through 25th Sun flyby at record speed

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Sails Through 25th Sun Flyby (Image: NASA)

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has equalled its record speed while flying past the Sun for the 25th time. The spacecraft reconnected with controllers on 18 September after completing the close approach.

How fast did the probe travel this time?
The probe hit 687,000 kilometres per hour, matching earlier records set in December 2024, March 2025 and June 2025. At that speed, it could travel from Delhi to New York in about 61 seconds. For comparison, a direct flight between the two cities takes up to 17 hours.

Why are these Sun flybys important?
NASA says these encounters gather unmatched data on solar winds and activity, especially as the Sun enters a more active phase of its 11-year cycle. Data from the latest pass will start reaching Earth on 23 September.

What mysteries is Parker helping to solve?
Scientists hope the mission will explain how the solar wind begins, why the Sun’s corona is hotter than its surface, and how vast coronal mass ejections are created. Such phenomena can disrupt satellites, astronauts, and even power grids on Earth.

What makes the probe unique?
Launched in 2018 under NASA’s Living With a Star programme, Parker uses Venus flybys to draw closer to the Sun. Managed by Goddard Space Flight Center, the spacecraft operates in extreme conditions while sending back critical insights into space weather.