NASA's Parker Solar Probe Flashcard

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What is the Parker Solar Probe?

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The Parker Solar Probe is a NASA spacecraft designed to study the Sun's outer atmosphere and solar wind by flying closer to the Sun than any previous spacecraft.

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What is the primary mission of the Parker Solar Probe?

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To understand the Sun's behavior and its impact on the solar system, including solar winds and solar flares.

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What speed did the Parker Solar Probe reach during its closest approach to the Sun?

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430,000 miles per hour.

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What material is used in the Parker Solar Probe's heat shield?

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Carbon foam.

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What is the significance of the Parker Solar Probe's mission?

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It represents a new golden era of space exploration, providing unprecedented data about the Sun.

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When is the Parker Solar Probe's next planned close solar pass after December 2024?

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March 22, 2025.

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What are solar flares?

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Solar flares are sudden eruptions of energy on the Sun's surface that can affect space weather and communication on Earth.

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How does the Parker Solar Probe protect itself from the Sun's heat?

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It uses a specially designed heat shield made of carbon foam to withstand extreme temperatures.

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What is solar wind?

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Solar wind is a stream of charged particles released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun.

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Why is studying the Sun important?

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Understanding the Sun helps us predict space weather events that can impact satellites, astronauts, and technology on Earth.