NASA Reveals Closest Photo of Sun Ever Taken
- Sara Habib
- August 25, 2025
- 9:17 am
- 45
- Current Affairs
The Solar Orbiter discovery has given us the most detailed picture of the Sun ever seen. Built through a joint mission between ESA and NASA, the spacecraft has traveled closer to the Sun than any other before. In March, it captured 200 high-quality images from 48 million miles away. These pictures were combined to create the largest ultraviolet view of our star. The image reveals bright loops of hot plasma and long dark stretches of cooler material across the solar surface.
How the Mission Began
The mission started in February 2020. Its main goal was to study the Sun in new ways. Scientists wanted to explore mysteries about solar wind and the Sun’s outer atmosphere. Unlike earlier missions, Solar Orbiter was designed to study both close details and larger regions of the Sun.
Uncovering Solar Mysteries
The new images help answer questions about the Sun. Scientists hope to learn how solar wind forms. They also study why the Sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, is much hotter than the surface. These mysteries are key to understanding solar activity.
Focus on Solar Poles
One unique part of the Solar Orbiter is its view of the Sun’s polar regions. These poles control solar activity and influence space weather. By studying them, scientists can better predict solar storms. Such storms can disrupt satellites, power grids, and even radio communication on Earth.
Why This Discovery Matters
This mission is not only about beautiful images. It is about protecting life and technology on Earth. With better knowledge of solar storms, we can prepare for risks in space and daily life. The Solar Orbiter brings humanity closer to understanding the forces at the heart of the solar system.
