Latest news with #ParkerProbe
News18
7 days ago
- Science
- News18
NASA's Parker Probe Captures Closest-Ever Image Of The Sun
Last Updated: NASA's Parker Probe captured the first-ever images from inside a solar eruption, offering vital clues about space weather and its effects on Earth The Sun, Earth's most powerful energy source, has long been a subject of awe and concern due to its sheer scale and volatile nature. Now, NASA's Parker Solar Probe has delivered astonishing new images that provide a close-up look inside the Sun's atmosphere; images as mesmerising as they are menacing. Closest Flyby Reveals Intense Solar Activity On December 24, 2024, the Parker Solar Probe made its closest-ever approach to the Sun, reaching just 3.8 million miles from its surface. During this moment, the onboard WISPR camera (Wide-field Imager for Parker Solar Probe) captured a live eruption of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). This marks the first time scientists have directly recorded such a violent solar event from within, rather than simulating it through models. Deadly Solar Waves Observed First-Hand Within the CME, scientists observed Kelvin-Helmholtz Instabilities—swirling, wave-like patterns formed by the collision of solar flows. Once considered purely theoretical or seen only in simulations, these dangerous waveforms have now been witnessed in real solar conditions. Unprecedented Footage From Inside the Corona NASA released a video showing the Sun's corona from the probe's perspective. According to Angelos Vourlidas from Johns Hopkins University, USA, the footage shows CMEs colliding and merging, giving researchers insight into how space weather forms and evolves. NASA's Dr Nicky Fox added, 'We are finally seeing where Earth's space weather begins". Against All Odds: The Probe Survives Extreme Heat Despite temperatures above 1,300°C and intense radiation, the Parker Probe emerged undamaged. NASA engineers regard this survival as a historic feat in space engineering. What's Next For Parker? The probe's next flyby is set for September 15, 2025, where it will venture even closer to the Sun. Scientists are optimistic that this mission will help decode the origin of solar winds, which are critical in understanding and forecasting space weather. Why This Matters For Earth Space weather caused by CMEs can disrupt satellites, GPS systems, radio signals, and even power grids on Earth. These new findings will help scientists build better early-warning systems, protecting both astronauts and everyday technologies on Earth. view comments First Published: July 12, 2025, 14:06 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Closest- ever glimpse of the Sun: Nasa probe captures rare solar fury— watch
Closest- ever glimpse of the sun (Image: Youtube/ NASAGoddard) Nasa in a landmark development for space science has released never-seen-before close-range footage of the Sun's violent activity, recorded by its Parker Solar Probe . The images offer a rare, real-time look into one of the most powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) ever captured. Launched in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe was designed to study the Sun's outer atmosphere — the corona. On December 24, 2024, it made its closest-ever approach, flying just 3.8 million miles from the Sun's surface, and captured highly detailed images of a CME using its onboard camera system, WISPR (wide-field imager for parker solar probe). The Closest Images Ever Taken of the Sun's Atmosphere The visuals revealed turbulent flows and swirling eddies inside the CME — the first direct visual proof of Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities, a fluid dynamic effect long suspected but never observed this close to the Sun. Since its launch, the Parker Probe has consistently broken its own records for closest distance to the Sun. The visuals mark the first time scientists have directly observed such detailed solar plasma behaviour from within the CME itself. 'We're watching CMEs pile up on each other,' said Angelos Vourlidas, scientist at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, which built and operates the probe. 'This helps us learn how they merge and how that affects space weather.' Despite flying through intense heat and radiation, Nasa has confirmed that all systems of Parker Probe remained fully operational, showcasing the engineering marvel behind the mission. What Parker Probe revealed so far Experts believe the data could vastly enhance predictions for space weather, which affect not just satellites but also astronaut safety in space and global communication systems. "We are witnessing where space weather threats to Earth begin, with our eyes, not just with models," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator at Nasa. "This new data will also help us improve our technology for the safety of astronauts and our technology, both in space and on Earth." Its next flyby is scheduled for September 15, 2025, with scientists hoping to unlock further secrets about how solar outflows originate and evolve.
