NASA's Parker Solar Probe "safe" after making the historic closest-ever approach to the Sun

Parker Solar Probe (Image: NASA)

NASA confirmed on Friday that the Parker Solar Probe is safe and fully operational after achieving the closest approach to the Sun by any human-made object. This historic journey brings scientists closer to unravelling the Sun's mysteries.

Closest Encounter with the Sun’s Fiery Atmosphere
On December 24, the spacecraft ventured just 3.8 million miles from the Sun's surface. Travelling through the outer atmosphere, or corona, the probe aims to unlock secrets about the Sun’s intense heat and solar wind. Moving at an astonishing 430,000 mph, the probe withstood extreme temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

NASA reported receiving a beacon tone from the spacecraft late Thursday, indicating its normal status. Detailed telemetry data on its condition is expected on January 1.

Mission’s Significance for Solar Research
NASA highlighted the mission’s goals, including tracing how solar material heats to millions of degrees and identifying the origins of the solar wind. It also seeks to understand how particles accelerate near light speed in this dynamic region.

Launched in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe has gradually spiralled closer to the Sun. The spacecraft uses Venus flybys to tighten its orbit, ensuring unprecedented access to the solar environment.

This milestone marks another achievement in NASA’s quest to deepen humanity’s understanding of Earth's closest star.