NASA’s Parker probe successfully makes closest approach to the Sun

An artist's rendering of the Parker Solar Probe approaching the Sun.  (AP: Steve Gribben/Johns Hopkins APL/NASA )

In short: 

NASA's Parker Solar Probe successfully made the closest approach to the Sun. 

Earlier this week, the spacecraft passed within a record-breaking 6 million kilometres of the scorching star. 

What's next? 

With its close brush complete, the craft is expected to circle the Sun at this distance through to September and hopefully longer.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe successfully makes the closest approach to the Sun, the space agency confirms. 

Earlier this week, the spacecraft passed within a record-breaking 6 million kilometres of the scorching star. 

NASA received an all-clear message from Parker on Thursday night confirming it survived the journey.

Launched in 2018 to get a close-up look at the Sun, Parker has since flown straight through its crown like outer atmosphere, or corona. 

With its close brush complete, the craft is expected to circle the Sun at this distance through to at least September and hopefully longer.

It is the fastest spacecraft built by humans, and hit 690,000 kph at closest approach. 

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It is outfitted with a heat shield that can withstand scorching temperatures up to 1,370 degrees Celsius.

Scientists hope the data from Parker will help them better understand why the Sun's outer atmosphere is hundreds of times hotter than its surface and what drives the solar wind, the supersonic stream of charged particles constantly blasting away from the Sun.

The Sun's warming rays make life possible on Earth. 

But severe solar storms can temporarily scramble radio communications and disrupt power.

The Sun is currently at the maximum phase of its 11-year cycle, triggering colourful auroras in unexpected places.

“It both is our closest, friendliest neighbour,” NASA's Joe Westlake said.

 "But also at times is a little angry.”

AP