Overview

• On December 24, 2024, the Parker Solar Probe flew just 3.8 million miles from the Sun's surface, the closest a spacecraft has ever been to a star.
• The probe reached a record speed of 430,000 miles per hour, making it the fastest human-made object in history.
• The spacecraft's carbon foam shield endured extreme temperatures of up to 1,800°F to protect its instruments, which remained at room temperature.
• Scientists anticipate the data from this pass will shed light on solar wind acceleration, energetic particle activity, and the Sun's corona dynamics.
• Future close approaches are scheduled for March 22 and June 19, 2025, as the mission continues to revolutionize our understanding of the Sun and space weather.