Parker Solar Probe Completes Record-Breaking Closest Approach to the Sun

NASA's spacecraft reached a historic 3.8 million miles from the Sun's surface, achieving unprecedented speeds and collecting groundbreaking data.

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.