Achieving a new record... outside the Earth and with something unexpected

When we talk about records, most people usually think of a person (or several people) who has accomplished something great. Well, we also tend to imagine that it is something that happens on Earth. despite of There are more than a few records set in the space (mostly by astronauts), they are actually not very common.

In fact, just a few weeks ago, this very thing happened. On September 27, NASAParker Solar Probe It has become the fastest thing made by man. The probe sent by the American Space Agency Its speed reached 635.266 kilometers per hour When it approached the sun at A distance of only 7.26 million kilometersCloser than any other spacecraft before.

Launched in August 2018, the Parker Solar Probe mission: Sun Corona study, the outer layer of the atmosphere. To achieve this, it is used Gravity helps from VenusThis allows it to lose orbital energy and “fall” too close to the Sun. The probe is scheduled to make its final flyby around Venus and reach the closest point to the sun In late 2024It is only 6.16 million kilometers from its surface.

In fact, it not only sets records for speed and distance, but also for scientific achievements. It became NASA’s Parker Solar Probe First spacecraft to pass through a coronal mass ejection (CME)It is a massive explosion of plasma released by the sun into space.

This moment was captured by the probe’s camera He escaped without damage. By analyzing these images, scientists will be able to get a better understanding of how the Sun works and how it works Predicting solar storms affecting the Earth.

The Parker Solar Probe is a marvel of engineering and space exploration To reveal to us the secrets of the sunWhich makes us witnesses of its amazing power.