The Parker Solar Probe, which was launched in 2018, has successfully passed through the corona (upper atmosphere) of the sun, becoming the first spacecraft that has touched the sun.
Associate Administrator for Nasa Thomas Zurbuchen has termed the event as a remarkable feat. He said that Nasa could now study the impact sun has on the solar system and an in-depth analysis of its evolution
The surface of the corona is 10,340 degrees Fahrenheit (5726.85 Celsius), which makes it hotter than the sun’s surface.
Parker has been able to send information about the magnetic zig-zag structures (switchbacks) which were found in the solar wind back in 2019.
With the latest advancement, the spacecraft can find out the origination of switchbacks. By the end of the mission, Parker will have completed 21 approaches to the sun.