The Parker Solar Probe became the first human-made object to venture into the Sun's atmosphere

For the first time in history, a NASA solar probe has managed to officially 'touch' the atmosphere of the Sun. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has achieved a feat once thought impossible. NASA’s spacecraft ventured into Sun's atmosphere, known as the corona. During the flight, spacecraft sampled particles emerging from the Sun.

What Is Parker Solar Probe Mission?

• Spacecraft launched by US space agency NASA

• Named after American solar astrophysicist Eugine Parker

• Was sent out in August 2008

• Average distance between Earth & Sun – 150 milliom km

• Fly through Sun’s atmosphere as close as 3.8 million miles

• Unravel unknown features about the biggest star

How Will This Mission Help?

• A milestone in technological innovation

• Will solve age-old mysteries about the red-hot star

• More insight on solar flares and high-speed solar winds

• Study flow of particles from Sun that can influence Earth

To perform these investigations, the spacecraft and instruments are being. covered with 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite shield to absorb Sun’s heat. The spacecraft will continue to spiral closer to the Sun. The next flyby of the Sun is scheduled for January 2022