NASA space probe

[Image above] Credit: NASA Goddard, YouTube

It’s been a very hot summer so far, at least in many regions of the U.S. Depending on what area of the planet in which you live, you could be experiencing hotter-than-normal temperatures as well.

And this year in Ohio, we’re on track for the record of having the 3rd-most 90-degree days since 2000.

But how hot is the sun, really? Depending on which part of the sun you’re referring to, its temperature can range anywhere from between 10,000oF and 3,600,000oF.

So should we be concerned that NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, leaving on a seven-year mission to reach the sun, might disintegrate or turn into a fireball?

In case you missed the announcement July 20, NASA is sending a spacecraft to the sun to try to solve some of the mysteries of its atmosphere. The Parker Solar Probe will launch into space in early August with a bunch of instruments on board to study the sun’s solar wind, learn why its atmosphere is hotter than its surface, and gather other important data about the sun, according to a recent NASA article.

NASA scientists considered the sun’s extreme temperatures when designing the spacecraft, and today’s video explains why it won’t melt or degrade.

First and foremost, the heat shield is made of an inner layer of carbon foam surrounded by carbon-carbon on the front and back panels.

It also is equipped with software to protect the instruments behind the heat shield, where sensors can determine if the heat shield is in the right position.

Watch the video below to learn the other reasons why NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will be able to withstand the sun’s heat.

Credit: NASA Goddard, YouTube

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