NASA’s Parker Solar Probe ‘touches’ the sun for the first time ever

NASA's Parker Solar Probe has successfully flown through the Sun's upper atmosphere, marking a significant milestone. This achievement occurred during the probe's eighth flyby on April 28th. The probe is set to make 21 close approaches over seven years. The Sun lacks a solid crust, but its alpha and critical surface define its atmospheric boundary. Outside this boundary, solar wind particles move faster than magnetic waves, while inside, the opposite occurs. The Parker Probe collected data on zigzag structures in the solar wind, known as switchbacks, which are created by convection cells at the Sun's surface.

What significant event did the Parker Solar Probe achieve on April 28th?

• It landed on the Sun's surface.

• It returned to Earth.

• It flew through the Sun's upper atmosphere.

• It discovered a new planet.

How many close approaches will the Parker Solar Probe make over its mission duration?

• 30

• 21

• 15

• 10

What marks the boundary of the Sun's atmosphere?

• The Sun's solid crust

• The magnetic field

• The alpha and critical surface

• The solar wind

What happens to solar wind particles outside the Sun's atmospheric boundary?

• They are absorbed by the Sun.

• They stop moving.

• They travel faster than magnetic waves.

• They slow down significantly.

What are switchbacks in the solar wind caused by?

• Asteroids passing by the Sun

• The Earth's gravitational pull

• The Sun's magnetic poles

• Convection cells at the Sun's surface