Launched in 2018 to study the Sun, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe made a historic observation on December 25, 2024, reaching its closest approach to the Sun yet. Passing just 6.1 million kilometers from the solar surface, the probe shared the images obtained during this pass with the public for the first time.
NASA shares Parker Probe’s unique images
Images taken with the Wide-Field Imager for Solar Probe (WISPR) camera were obtained from within the Sun’s corona, its outer atmosphere. The newly released images provide direct observations of the solar wind.
Furthermore, for the first time, such detailed analysis has been made of how coronal mass ejections (CMEs) form and how multiple CMEs merge. Scientists have noted that these mergers can alter the direction of CMEs, accelerate charged particles, and stir magnetic fields, posing greater threats to spacecraft and ground-based electronic systems.
These observations play a critical role in understanding the dynamics of space weather events. Following this flyby, the Parker probe reached the same record distance again in March and June 2025. The next flyby is expected on September 15, 2025.
Nicky Fox of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate emphasized that these observations will contribute to improved space weather forecasting and enhance the safety of astronauts and space technology. NASA stated that these data provide the clearest and most comprehensive information yet about the Sun’s dynamic atmosphere.
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