Parker Solar Probe Sets New Speed Record During Solar Flyby on March 16

On March 16, the Parker Solar Probe achieved a peak velocity of 430,000 miles per hour (692,000 kilometers per hour) during its latest close approach to the Sun. This matches the speed record set during its previous pass. The probe's instruments are gathering data on solar activity, including the solar wind and corona dynamics. Mission control at Johns Hopkins APL confirmed the probe's nominal operation. A status update with initial findings is expected on March 25. This flyby allows for unprecedented in-situ measurements of solar phenomena. Researchers continue to analyze data from the December approach, yielding insights into the Sun.