PBS Space Time Season 2018 Episode 27 How Close to the Sun Can Humanity Get?

As humanity continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the question arises: how close can we get to the sun? In this episode of PBS Space Time, host Matt O'Dowd delves into the science and engineering behind the various attempts to study our closest star.

First, O'Dowd explains the concept of a solar probe--a spacecraft designed to fly through the sun's atmosphere, or corona, and gather data on the intense heat and magnetic fields present there. He traces the history of solar probe missions, from the early days of unmanned satellites to the groundbreaking Parker Solar Probe, which launched in 2018.

But with temperatures in the corona exceeding a million degrees Celsius, how do these probes not instantly melt and disintegrate? O'Dowd explains the various materials and cooling systems used to protect solar probes, as well as the challenges of designing instruments that can withstand the harsh conditions.

He then shifts his focus to future solar probe missions, including the proposed Solar Probe Plus (also known as the Helio Probe Plus), which aims to get even closer to the sun's surface than the Parker Solar Probe. However, as O'Dowd notes, the closer a probe gets to the sun, the more complex the engineering becomes--and the harder it becomes to prevent the spacecraft from being destroyed.

But the pursuit of solar science is not just about engineering feats. O'Dowd also explores the insights astronomers hope to gain from solar probe missions, such as a better understanding of the sun's magnetic field and its effects on space weather. He discusses the phenomenon of coronal mass ejections, or huge explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun's corona, and their potential to disrupt satellite communications and power grids on Earth.

Finally, O'Dowd poses the question: why study the sun at all? After all, it's just a star like any other, right? Wrong, he argues. The sun is unique in its size, proximity, and influence on our planet, and studying it can help us understand the workings of the entire universe. Moreover, as O'Dowd points out, the sun has captivated human curiosity for millennia--from ancient cultures' worship of sun gods to modern-day scientists' attempts to unravel its mysteries.

In conclusion, How Close to the Sun Can Humanity Get? offers a fascinating look at the cutting-edge technology and scientific breakthroughs behind solar probe missions, as well as the broader implications of studying our nearest star. With O'Dowd's signature blend of enthusiastic storytelling and insightful analysis, this episode of PBS Space Time is a must-watch for space enthusiasts and science lovers alike.