NASA has launched its first-ever mission to study the Sun up close.
The solar probe is expected to fly “within 4 million miles of the Sun’s surface. ”
Over its 7-year expedition, Parker (named after Gene Parker, the discoverer of solar wind) will travel a total distance of approximately 4. 9 billion miles. It will use Venus’ gravity during 7 flybys over nearly 7 yrs to gradually bring its orbit closer to the Sun.
