Closest to the Sun: Parker Solar Probe Quiz

1. Which part of the Sun's atmosphere does the Parker Solar Probe primarily aim to study?

Chromosphere

Photosphere

Solar corona

Solar core

The Parker Solar Probe primarily aims to study the solar corona, the Sun's outermost atmosphere. Understanding the corona's properties and behavior is a central objective of the mission.

Explanation

The Parker Solar Probe primarily aims to study the solar corona, the Sun's outermost atmosphere. Understanding the corona's properties and behavior is a central objective of the mission.

2. What is the Parker Solar Probe's primary scientific goal regarding the solar wind?

Photograph it

Slow it down

Study its color

Determine its source

One of the primary scientific goals of the Parker Solar Probe is to determine the source of the solar wind. It aims to investigate how the solar wind is generated and accelerated as it flows from the Sun.

Explanation

One of the primary scientific goals of the Parker Solar Probe is to determine the source of the solar wind. It aims to investigate how the solar wind is generated and accelerated as it flows from the Sun.

3. What is the primary mission of the Parker Solar Probe?

Study solar flares

Investigate dark matter

Explore outer planets

Study the Sun's corona

The primary mission of the Parker Solar Probe is to study the Sun's corona. By flying close to the Sun, it aims to gather data on the corona's structure, temperature, and the processes that heat it to millions of degrees, which is a key scientific question.

Explanation

The primary mission of the Parker Solar Probe is to study the Sun's corona. By flying close to the Sun, it aims to gather data on the corona's structure, temperature, and the processes that heat it to millions of degrees, which is a key scientific question.

4. What is the Parker Solar Probe's approximate top speed during its closest approach to the Sun?

430,000 miles per hour

5,000 miles per hour

1 million miles per hour

20,000 miles per hour

During its closest approach to the Sun, the Parker Solar Probe reaches an approximate top speed of 430,000 miles per hour (about 700,000 kilometers per hour). This incredible speed allows it to withstand the Sun's gravitational pull.

Explanation

During its closest approach to the Sun, the Parker Solar Probe reaches an approximate top speed of 430,000 miles per hour (about 700,000 kilometers per hour). This incredible speed allows it to withstand the Sun's gravitational pull.

5. How close does the Parker Solar Probe approach the Sun's surface during its closest orbits?

100,000 miles

4 million miles

1 million miles

10 million miles

The Parker Solar Probe comes within approximately 4 million miles (6.4 million kilometers) of the Sun's surface during its closest orbits. This close approach allows for detailed observations of the Sun's outer atmosphere.

Explanation

The Parker Solar Probe comes within approximately 4 million miles (6.4 million kilometers) of the Sun's surface during its closest orbits. This close approach allows for detailed observations of the Sun's outer atmosphere.

6. What is the name of the astrophysicist after whom the Parker Solar Probe is named?

Eugene Parker

Carl Sagan

Edwin Hubble

Stephen Hawking

The Parker Solar Probe is named after Dr. Eugene Parker, the astrophysicist who proposed the existence of the solar wind in the 1950s. It is the first NASA mission named after a living scientist.

Explanation

The Parker Solar Probe is named after Dr. Eugene Parker, the astrophysicist who proposed the existence of the solar wind in the 1950s. It is the first NASA mission named after a living scientist.

7. How does the Parker Solar Probe protect itself from the intense heat of the Sun?

Ablative shield

Heat-resistant tiles

Liquid cooling system

Solar panels

The Parker Solar Probe is equipped with a heat shield that includes heat-resistant tiles. This shield is essential for protecting the spacecraft's instruments and systems from the extreme temperatures near the Sun.

Explanation

The Parker Solar Probe is equipped with a heat shield that includes heat-resistant tiles. This shield is essential for protecting the spacecraft's instruments and systems from the extreme temperatures near the Sun.

8. What is the Parker Solar Probe's closest approach referred to as?

Solstice

Aphelion

Equinox

Perihelion

The closest approach of the Parker Solar Probe to the Sun is referred to as "perihelion." During perihelion, the spacecraft gathers its most detailed data on the Sun's environment.

Explanation

The closest approach of the Parker Solar Probe to the Sun is referred to as "perihelion." During perihelion, the spacecraft gathers its most detailed data on the Sun's environment.

9. Which scientific instrument aboard the Parker Solar Probe measures the electric and magnetic fields in the Sun's atmosphere?

FIELDS

WISPR

ISʘIS

SWEAP

The FIELDS instrument aboard the Parker Solar Probe measures electric and magnetic fields in the Sun's atmosphere. It provides crucial data for understanding the Sun's magnetic activity.

Explanation

The FIELDS instrument aboard the Parker Solar Probe measures electric and magnetic fields in the Sun's atmosphere. It provides crucial data for understanding the Sun's magnetic activity.

10. 10. How many orbits around the Sun does the Parker Solar Probe plan to complete during its mission?

Multiple

4

24

7

During a span of seven years, the spacecraft will successfully execute 24 orbits around the Sun. At its nearest point to the Sun, the spacecraft will approach to within approximately 3.9 million miles (6.2 million kilometers).

Explanation

During a span of seven years, the spacecraft will successfully execute 24 orbits around the Sun. At its nearest point to the Sun, the spacecraft will approach to within approximately 3.9 million miles (6.2 million kilometers).