A key component of Justin Kasper’s sensory equipment, Parker’s Faraday cup, had to be shown capable of withstanding the heat and light of the journey to the sun. To test it, researchers had to create something new – a homemade sun simulator.
Space
Part 2: Testing: Simulating the sun on Earth
Part 1: Why we need an early-warning system for solar ejections
When strong magnetic fields crop up along the surface of the Sun cause the atmosphere above to twist, the buildup of magnetic energy leads to a sudden release, called a solar flare. When that energy reaches Earth, it has the capacity to wreak havoc.
Europa’s ocean: New evidence from an old mission
An image from Hubble and data from Galileo support the theory that this moon is home to global body of water.
Recreating supernova reaction yields new insights for fusion energy
Our pursuit of fusion needs a heat-check
Key Parker Solar Probe sensor bests sun simulator—last launch hurdle
With old IMAX projector bulbs, Michigan Engineers simulate the sun.
Podcast: The X3 Thruster
Hear Dean Gallimore and recent PhD graduate Scott Hall discuss the X3 “Mars engine” on the new podcast “The High Five.”
