Spectral Imaging of the Coronal Environment.Unlike the other instruments, this one is designed to investigate the solar interior by measuring the photospheric vector magnetic field.ĭesigned to investigate mass ejections of the corona, this instrument will image the disturbances in the solar wind. This instrument will capture the layers of atmosphere above the photosphere, or the outer shell, to provide a better picture of the area between the solar surface and the outer corona which shapes the interplanetary medium. This instrument will measure the magnetic and electric fields in order to help scientists better understand electromagnetic and electrostatic waves in the solar wind.Īs the name suggests, the main purpose of this instrument is to analyze solar wind by measuring its ions and electrons. The magnetometer will help scientists study how the Sun's magnetic field connects to outer space, and how it changes over the duration of the solar cycle by measuring the heliospheric magnetic field. The particle detector will measure the composition of the particles of energy that are emitted by the Sun, as well as their timing and distribution functions. Here's a full break down of all the scientific instruments the spacecraft carries on its journey: “The Sun and its corona are pretty interesting no matter what time in the solar cycle, so we will take whatever the Sun gives us,” Cyr said. Although it is not clear when in the solar cycle the orbiter will reach the Sun, the team is optimistic that they will still be able to observe something interesting happening at the polar region. It marks a change in the Sun’s magnetic activity, when the star’s South and North poles switch places. Cyr, former NASA project scientist for the mission at Goddard, said during the press call.Ī solar cycle occurs every 11 years or so. “Most researchers believe the key to understanding the intensity of the next solar cycle is seeing these poles flip polarity,” Chris St. They predict that the orbiter’s view will likely be of two enormous, dark coronal holes. They found that the poles look completely different when viewed from the top than when they are viewed from the equator. To get a sense of what the spacecraft might observe, the team behind the orbiter did a prospective 3D print of the Sun’s magnetic field. Extended mission: If extended, the Solar Orbiter could reach up to 33 degrees latitude to the solar equator - providing the most-direct view of the Sun's poles currently possible.ĭuring the close encounters, the spacecraft will essentially be staring down directly at the Sun’s magnetic poles, providing a new perspective on an area which scientists believe may be responsible for the eruption of solar wind.Īnimation showing the trajectory of Solar Orbiter around the Sun. 2027: The Solar Orbiter reaches 24 degrees latitude relative to the solar equator. 2025: The Solar Orbiter reaches 17 degrees latitude relative to the solar equator. 2022: The Solar Orbiter has its first close pass of the Sun - distance of about 31 million miles from the Sun. Orbiter will also complete its only planned flyby of Earth. November, 2021: Initial cruise phase of the mission ends. It will make several more throughout its mission. December, 2020: Solar Orbiter makes its first flyby of Venus. Here's a timeline of the mission: February 9, 2020: An Atlas V 411 rocket will launch the Solar Orbiter from SLC-41 atCape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Solar Orbiter will travel in an elliptical orbit around the Sun, completing one orbit every 168 days. Engineers at the IABG facility in Ottobrunn, Germany getting the orbiter ready for launch.
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