Touching the Sun: Parker Solar Probe’s Epic Journey & Breakthrough Discoveries

🚀 **Touching the Sun: Parker Solar Probe’s Epic Journey & Breakthrough Discoveries**

How do you explore a star? Since its launch in August 2018, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has used Venus flybys and an ultra-tough heat shield to venture closer to the Sun than any spacecraft ever—within just 6.16 million km of the surface. Along the way, it’s uncovered magnetic “switchbacks,” mapped a dust-free zone, revealed Alfvénic waves heating the corona, and much more.

In this comprehensive documentary, we combine:
• **Mission Origins & Engineering Feats** – Design of the 11.4 cm carbon-composite shield, seven gravity assists, and onboard autonomy.
• **Scientific Instrument Suite** – WISPR, SWEAP, FIELDS & ISʘIS: what they measure and why it matters.
• **Key Discoveries to Date** – Magnetic reversals in the solar wind, inner-corona dynamics, solar wind origins, dust clearing, high-energy particles, and electric-field surprises.
• **The Human Story** – How Dr. Eugene Parker’s 1958 solar wind theory faced skepticism—and how today’s probe vindicates his vision.
• **Real-World Impact** – Improving space weather forecasts to protect satellites, power grids, and future crewed missions.

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