Science Alert: NASA launches probe to examine dangers posed by the sun, traveling closer to the star than any human-made object has before

The Parker Solar Probe launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla., early Saturday morning on a journey that should take it closer to the sun than any human-made object has gone before. Over the next seven years, the Parker Solar Probe will make 24 egg-shaped orbits around the sun, repeatedly swinging past Venus to reorient itself. With its dust detectors, its particle counters and a telescope that can take 3-D images of the sun's atmosphere, the probe will measure the sun's electric and magnetic fields, scoop particles from the solar wind for sampling, and watch as shocks travel from the sun's surface through the atmosphere and into space. The mission may help scientists understand solar storms that have the potential to destroy satellites and power grids and disrupt life as we know it.

Democracy Dies in Darkness     Science Alert Aug 12, 3:32 AM     NASA launches probe to examine dangers posed by the sun, traveling closer to the star than any human-made object has before The Parker Solar Probe launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla., early Saturday morning on a journey that should take it closer to the sun than any human-made object has gone before. Over the next seven years, the Parker Solar Probe will make 24 egg-shaped orbits around the sun, repeatedly swinging past Venus to reorient itself. With its dust detectors, its particle counters and a telescope that can take 3-D images of the sun's atmosphere, the probe will measure the sun's electric and magnetic fields, scoop particles from the solar wind for sampling, and watch as shocks travel from the sun's surface through the atmosphere and into space. The mission may help scientists understand solar storms that have the potential to destroy satellites and power grids and disrupt life as we know it. Read more » Advertisement You received this email because you signed up for news alerts from The Washington Post. Manage my newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Help ©2018 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071