NASA's Parker Solar Probe Touches The Sun For The First Time

In August 2018, NASA launched the Parker Solar Probe to study the sun's corona. The probe aims to solve mysteries about the sun's atmosphere, such as its high temperature and the solar wind's origin. In 2021, Parker entered the corona, marking a significant milestone. It discovered that the boundary between the corona and solar wind is irregular, and identified switchbacks in the solar wind. These findings help us understand the sun's influence on the solar system and the potential for life beyond Earth.

What was the primary goal of the Parker Solar Probe mission?

• To fly through the solar corona

• To orbit around the Earth

• To study the Moon's atmosphere

• To land on the Sun's surface

What is the Sun primarily composed of?

• Frozen gas

• Hot plasma

• Liquid water

• Solid rock

What is the alphane critical surface?

• The Moon's orbit

• The Earth's magnetic field

• The Sun's core

• The boundary of the Sun's atmosphere

Why is the solar corona's temperature a mystery?

• It is the same temperature as the Earth's core

• It is colder than the solar wind

• It is much hotter than the Sun's surface

• It is cooler than the Sun's surface

What is the solar wind?

• A type of solar eclipse

• A magnetic storm on Earth

• A gust of wind on Mars

• A stream of particles from the Sun

What are 'switchbacks' in the solar wind?

• Solar flares on the Sun's surface

• Kinks in the solar wind that double back

• Magnetic storms on Earth

• Sudden changes in wind direction

Why is understanding the Sun important for the search for life beyond Earth?

• The Sun is the only star known to support life

• The Sun's energy is needed for space travel

• The Sun's light is used to detect other planets

• The Sun is the only star in the universe