Up until the 16th century, we believed that the Earth was at the center of the solar system and ultimately, the universe. This theory supported the idea that our species was at the center of everything, and it offered a reason as to why the sun and the planets appear to move across our sky. However, as observations became more detailed, so did the geocentric theory. Soon every planet was orbiting the Earth as well as going in little circular ellipses on their own.

Naturally, this made calculations more and more complex, yet through all these alterations, the model was still off by a few degrees. Over time, these small increments added up and more components were added to the model to compensate. By now, it was becoming clear that there was something the model was missing. 

That’s when Nicolaus Copernicus proposed his idea of a heliocentric universe – one where the Sun was at the center of the solar system. By placing the Sun in this position, all the complicated aspects of the earlier model were solved, and a much easier and comprehensible solution was created. 

This time in history was called the Copernican revolution, and since then, we’ve continued to study our star. However, all the observations were done remotely. The intense radiation, heat, light and intricate magnetic field make it extremely hard to study up close. Until now.

On August 12, 2018, the Parker Solar Probe was launched on a Delta IV rocket with its trajectory setting it en route to the Sun. Using a gravity assists from Venus, the probe will complete seven flybys of the Sun, each one bringing it closer to the surface. 

Over the seven years of its commission, the Parker Solar Probe will study the corona (the outermost part of the sun) in hopes of understanding the creation of Solar Wind. It’s path will take it to the birthplace of many of the high-energy particles that make up this mysterious phenomena. But in order to get that close, the probe will first need to be able to withstand temperatures up to 2,500ºF (1377ºC). On top of that, the electronics onboard will need to be protected from the complex electromagnetic fields that surround the Sun. Overcoming all these obstacles, the Parker Solar Probe is the first and only spacecraft to have traveled this close to a star. 

The discoveries made by this probe will help us to understand the implications that solar wind may have on future missions including satellite development. The extent of damage done to a satellite by solar wind is still unknown, including the effects it has on the technology onboard. Once we understand how solar wind affects the lifetime of these satellites, we can take further precautions to protect them against the particles. Furthermore, the solar wind blows through a significant portion of the solar system. Future missions into deep space could be compromised by these winds if they’re not properly understood first.

Parker Solar Probe is a revolutionary step forward in our exploration of our part in the solar system. Understanding the inner working of our star could very well explain the inner workings of life itself on Earth. After all, we’re all made up of the same elements.

Resources:
NASA