NASA to visit 'œliving, breathing star for the first time'

William Atkins
Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:37

Science - Space

Solar Probe+ will begin its mission near the end of Solar Cycle 24 (2015) and end its mission near the estimated maximum of Solar Cycle 25 (2022).

Such a schedule would allow the spacecraft to sample the corona and solar wind at many different phases of the solar cycle.

Solar Probe+ should also interact with several solar storms. Scientists involved with the mission will place the Solar Probe+ in the corona because they think the most dangerous particles produced by solar storms are stimulated in the Sun's corona.

Solar Probe+ may be able to observe the storms and the particles as they interact with each other. Such observations may show researchers how to forecast Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events that threaten the health and safety of astronauts and disrupt our electonic devices and power systems here on Earth.

When a flare or other such solar event occurs, these SEPs flow out of the Sun and reach the Earth within a few hours. Scientists may learn more about them from this mission so we can better predict when these dangerous particles occur on the Sun and, thus, when we can expect them to reach us.

In addition, Solar Probe+ will take many trips into the corona. This feat will be accomplished by means of flybys around the planet Venus. The spacecraft will swing by Venus seven times in six years to bend the probe’s trajectory deeper and deeper into the Sun’s atmosphere.

Because of the interaction with Venus Solar Probe+ will also measure characteristics of Venus. Scientists are hoping to learn more about the planet

In all, Guhathakurta states, "Solar Probe+ is an extraordinary mission of exploration, discovery and deep understanding. We can't wait to get started."

Additional information about the NASA Solar Probe+ mission is found at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s website “The Solar Probe.”