The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has reported that the Parker Solar Probe has successfully made its second approach to the Sun.
The named probe was launched in August last year. Its tasks are to study plasma particles near the Sun and their effect on the solar wind. In addition, the device will try to find out what mechanisms accelerate and transport energy particles.
The flight program provides for rendezvous with our luminary to obtain scientific information. At the same time, on-board equipment is protected from the highest temperatures by a special shield 114 mm thick based on a special composite material.
Last fall, the probe set a record for approaching the Sun, being at a distance of less than 42,73 million kilometers from it. Now beaten and this achievement.
It is reported that during the second passage Parker Solar Probe was at a distance of less than 24 million kilometers from the sun. It happened on April 4th. The speed of the movement of the device in this case was about 340 thousand km / h.
Even closer flights are planned in the future. It is expected, in particular, that in 2024 the device will be at a distance of approximately 6,16 million kilometers from the surface of the Sun.
Source: 3dnews.ru