Back to Show
NOVA
NASA Heads to the Sun
On August 12, 2018, NASA launched the Parker Solar Probe to study the Sun like never before. It will hurtle towards the star at the center of our solar system at 120 miles per second, which is the fastest human-made object ever. The heat shield on the front of the probe will withstand temperatures of about 2500 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the instruments at roughly room temperature.
Support Provided By
Season
53:40
Is engineering humanity’s superpower? See how we can amplify our natural abilities in amazing ways.
53:40
Dive into the universe at the tiniest – and weirdest – of scales.
53:34
Meet the surprising, oddball worlds moving around our solar system.
53:34
Visit strange, frozen worlds to discover the bizarre ice that forms beyond Earth.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:34
Discover the powerful volcanic eruptions that have shaped worlds across our solar system.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:34
What are the weirdest worlds in our solar system, and how did they come to be?
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:34
Discover the dramatic forces creating spectacular weather on neighboring planets and moons.
53:38
Explore big discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of the universe.
53:40
Find out who’s using your data and what you can do about it.
53:34
Explore the spectacular cosmic phenomenon of a total solar eclipse.
53:30
Explore the promise and perils of new A.I. technologies.
53:10
Follow the quest to recover DNA millions of years old for the very first time.