Stars, Cells, and God | Solar Probes Revolutionize Our Understanding of the Sun

Reasons to Believe Podcast

Join Hugh Ross and David Winyard as they discuss new discoveries taking place at the frontiers of science that have theological and philosophical implications, including the reality of God’s existence.

Solar Probes Revolutionize Our Understanding of the Sun

Before NASA conducts research in space, much thought must go into mission planning and spacecraft design. Currently, two remarkable NASA missions demonstrate special orbits and heat management systems: the Parker Solar Probe and the James Webb Space Telescope. The former must endure intense heat as it loops between the Sun and the orbit of Venus. The latter operates far outside Earth’s orbit at low temperatures (below -370o F)—shielded from heat from the Sun, Earth, and Moon—to detect infrared light from deep space. Together, they are great vehicles to teach engineering dynamics and thermal-fluid science. Astrophysicist Hugh Ross and engineer David Winyard explain how insights gained from such missions will enhance scientists’ ability to forecast major space-weather events that impact life on Earth.

Links and Resources:

• NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Mission Will Revolutionize Our Understanding of the Sun

• Webb Image Release—Webb Space Telescope GSFC/NASA