Daily Current Affairs : 31-December-2024

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe recently made history by surviving the closest-ever approach to the Sun. The spacecraft came within just 6.1 million kilometers of the solar surface, operating normally after this daring journey. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in space exploration and helps scientists gain new insights into our Sun’s behavior and its effects on Earth.

About the Parker Solar Probe

Launched on August 12, 2018, the Parker Solar Probe is a mission under NASA’s Living with a Star program. The primary objectives of the probe are to:

  • Study the Sun’s corona and magnetic fields
  • Explore the origins of solar winds and their impact on the solar system
  • Improve forecasting of space weather, which affects Earth’s life and technology

The Parker Solar Probe is equipped with advanced technology to withstand the extreme conditions of space, including its 4.5-inch carbon-composite heat shield that protects it from the Sun’s intense heat.

Key Features of the Parker Solar Probe
  • Speed: It travels at speeds up to 692,000 km/h, making it the fastest human-made object ever built.
  • Temperature Resistance: The probe can endure temperatures up to 1,377°C, thanks to its specially designed heat shield.
  • Protection: The heat shield, along with other engineering marvels, ensures the spacecraft remains operational even in such harsh conditions.
Significance of the Achievement

The Parker Solar Probe’s close approach to the Sun offers groundbreaking insights into the Sun’s behavior. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Understanding the Sun’s corona: The probe helps scientists study the Sun’s high-temperature outer atmosphere (the corona), which has long been a mystery.
  • Solar Wind: It investigates the origins of solar winds, which can have major effects on Earth.
  • Impact on Technology: By understanding solar activity, we can better predict and protect against space weather events that might affect power grids, satellites, and communication systems on Earth.

This achievement is crucial for advancing solar physics research and improving space weather forecasting, both of which are vital for the safety of modern technology and life on Earth.

Important Points:
  • Parker Solar Probe’s Historic Achievement: NASA’s Parker Solar Probe survived the closest-ever approach to the Sun, coming within 6.1 million kilometers of the solar surface.
  • Launch Details:
    • Launched on August 12, 2018.
    • Part of NASA’s Living with a Star program.
  • Main Objectives:
    • Study the Sun’s corona and magnetic fields.
    • Investigate the origins of solar winds and their impact on the solar system.
    • Improve forecasting of space weather that affects Earth’s technology and life.
  • Key Features of the Probe:
    • Heat Shield: 4.5-inch carbon-composite heat shield for protection.
    • Speed: Travels at speeds up to 692,000 km/h.
    • Temperature Resistance: Can endure temperatures as high as 1,377°C.
  • Significance of the Achievement:
    • Provides insights into the Sun’s high-temperature corona.
    • Helps understand the origins of solar winds and their effect on Earth.
    • Improves space weather forecasting to protect power grids, satellites, and communication systems.
  • Impact on Earth:
    • Advances in solar physics research.
    • Better prediction and mitigation of solar activity effects on Earth’s technology.
Why In News

NASA scientists recently announced that the Parker Solar Probe successfully survived its closest-ever approach to the Sun, passing just 6.1 million kilometers from the solar surface. Despite the extreme conditions, the spacecraft continued to operate normally, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and solar research. This achievement not only highlights the probe’s durability but also opens new doors to understanding the Sun’s behavior and its impact on our solar system.

MCQs about NASA’s Parker Solar Probe
  1. When was the Parker Solar Probe launched?
    A. June 5, 2019
    B. August 12, 2018
    C. January 1, 2020
    D. December 15, 2017
    Correct Answer: B. August 12, 2018
    Explanation: The Parker Solar Probe was launched by NASA on August 12, 2018, as part of the Living with a Star program to study the Sun’s corona and solar winds.
  2. What is the primary purpose of the Parker Solar Probe?
    A. To send humans to the Sun
    B. To study the Sun’s corona and magnetic fields
    C. To test new technology for space travel
    D. To collect samples from the Sun’s surface
    Correct Answer: B. To study the Sun’s corona and magnetic fields
    Explanation: The main goal of the Parker Solar Probe is to study the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere) and magnetic fields, helping scientists understand solar winds and their impact on Earth.
  3. What significant feature protects the Parker Solar Probe from extreme heat?
    A. Titanium casing
    B. Carbon-composite heat shield
    C. Solar panels
    D. Water-cooling system
    Correct Answer: B. Carbon-composite heat shield
    Explanation: The Parker Solar Probe is protected by a 4.5-inch carbon-composite heat shield, which allows it to endure temperatures up to 1,377°C during its close approaches to the Sun.
  4. Why is the Parker Solar Probe’s mission important for Earth?
    A. It helps predict solar eclipses
    B. It improves space weather forecasting to protect technology on Earth
    C. It allows us to land on the Sun
    D. It studies the Sun’s role in forming planets
    Correct Answer: B. It improves space weather forecasting to protect technology on Earth
    Explanation: The Parker Solar Probe’s data helps improve space weather forecasting, which is crucial for protecting Earth’s power grids, satellites, and **communication systems** from solar activity that could disrupt them.

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