Credit: NASA GSFC/CIL/Brian MonroeParker Solar Probes 18th close technique to the Sun set distance and speed records, marking a key milestone in its continuous mission.NASAs Parker Solar Probe finished its 18th close method to the Sun on December 28, 2023, matching its own range record by skimming just about 4.51 million miles (7.26 million kilometers) from the solar surface.The close approach (known as perihelion) took place at 7:56 p.m. EST, with Parker Solar Probe traveling at 394,736 miles per hour (635,266 kilometers per hour) around the Sun– likewise matching the speed record for the 17th solar encounter. Called after solar physicist Eugene Parker, who proposed the existence of the solar wind, this mission marks a significant milestone in humanitys mission to understand our closest star.The Parker Solar Probe is designed to stand up to severe heat and radiation near the Sun. The Parker Solar Probe is likewise entrusted with studying solar wind and the systems that accelerate it, along with solar energetic particles, which are important for comprehending space weather condition and its effect on Earth.Throughout its objective, the probe carries out a series of close techniques to the Sun, slowly getting closer over time through the usage of Venus gravity to change its orbit.
