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Parker space probe approaches the Sun at a record distance (4 photos)


The study of the sun is one of the prioritytasks of modern astrophysics. NASA Parker's unique solar probe launched into space in August 2018 sets two records at once during an unprecedented expedition to the Sun. The Parker probe previously recorded a record approach to our star at a distance of 37 million km, but in early February 2020, the flying laboratory was able to break its previous record and set another one - a speed record for objects created by man.


Parker research probe is saturated with scientificequipment designed to study the solar wind and its impact on our planet. As we approach the Sun, the accuracy of the data obtained by the probe also increases.


On February 1, a “status A” signal arrived on Earth,which witnessed Parker's maximum approach to the Sun during the passage of the fourth orbit around the star. The flight continues in normal normal mode.

At the fourth revolution around the sun, the proberecorded approach to the surface of the luminary at a record distance of 18.6 million km, as well as the highest speed for objects created by human hands - 393.044 km / h.


In the next rounds, the Parker probe will be getting closerget close to the surface of the sun. NASA plans to complete the expedition in 2024. In addition to the Parker probe, the European Space Agency recently launched the Solar Orbiter, designed to study the Sun from a higher orbit.