How a Doomed Spacecraft Lived to Tell the Tale of the Sun

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (Soho) was launched to study the Sun and its effects on Earth. Despite early challenges, including a near-disaster during launch and a major accident in 1998, Soho has provided invaluable insights into solar phenomena. Engineers innovatively used reaction wheels to stabilize the satellite, leading to more precise operations. Over two decades, Soho has not only advanced our understanding of the Sun but also unexpectedly discovered thousands of comets. Its findings continue to inform solar exploration and help protect our technology from solar activity.

What was the primary purpose of the SOHO satellite?

• To monitor asteroids

• To understand the Sun's behavior

• To study the Earth's atmosphere

• To explore the outer planets

What significant discovery did SOHO make about the Sun's surface?

• It discovered solar tornadoes

• It detected alien life

• It found water on the Sun

• It measured the Sun's temperature

What caused SOHO to lose control in 1998?

• A collision with an asteroid

• A software malfunction

• A solar flare

• A missed step during gyroscope tests

How did engineers regain control of SOHO after the accident?

• By deploying a backup satellite

• By using solar panels

• By utilizing reaction wheels

• By replacing the gyroscopes

What unexpected talent did SOHO demonstrate?

• Finding comets

• Measuring Earth's magnetic field

• Predicting solar flares

• Communicating with aliens

Why are comets difficult to spot near the Sun?

• They are too small

• They move too fast

• They are drowned out by sunlight

• They are hidden by solar flares

What has SOHO's research revealed about the Sun?

• The Sun is moving away from Earth

• The Sun is cooling down

• The Sun is shrinking

• The Sun is more dynamic than expected