The Smithsonian Institution has made a significant contribution to a groundbreaking mission that is set to revolutionize our understanding of the sun. Partnering with NASA and other organizations, the Smithsonian has played a key role in the development of the Parker Solar Probe, a spacecraft designed to touch the sun’s outer atmosphere.
Scheduled for launch this summer, the Parker Solar Probe carries a specialized instrument, built by the Smithsonian, that will allow scientists to measure the sun’s properties without melting in the intense heat. This innovative tool represents a major advancement in solar research and promises to provide invaluable insights into the sun’s behavior.
By venturing closer to the sun than any spacecraft before, the Parker Solar Probe aims to unravel long-standing mysteries about the sun’s corona and solar winds. Scientists hope that the data collected during the mission will help improve space weather forecasting and enhance our knowledge of solar phenomena.
The collaboration between the Smithsonian and NASA underscores the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. Through cutting-edge technology and collaborative efforts, researchers are poised to make unprecedented discoveries about our closest star.
As the Parker Solar Probe embarks on its historic journey, the world watches with anticipation, eager to witness the scientific breakthroughs that lie ahead. The Smithsonian’s pivotal role in this mission highlights the institution’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in the field of space exploration.
References:
– Smithsonian Insider. (2018, August). A solar probe is on its way to touch the sun. The Smithsonian built the tool that will measure the sun without melting. https://insider.si.edu/2018/08/a-solar-probe-is-on-its-way-to-touch-the-sun-the-smithsonian-built-the-tool-that-will-measure-the-sun-without-melting/
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