Solar Orbiter Crossword Clue: A Quest for the Astronomer Percival Lowell

The Solar Orbiter, a spacecraft designed to study the sun's corona, has been making headlines in recent years. But what exactly is this mysterious 'coronal heating problem' that scientists are still trying to solve? In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating world of solar astronomy and explore how the Solar Orbiter is helping us understand our star better.

As astronomers, Percival Lowell was one of the pioneers who studied the sun's corona. His quest to understand the mystery of the corona led him to propose several theories, including the idea that it was caused by a layer of hot gas surrounding the sun. While his theory wasn't entirely accurate, it laid the foundation for future research.

Fast forward to today, and scientists are still grappling with the 'coronal heating problem.' Essentially, the question is: why does the corona, the outermost atmosphere of the sun, reach temperatures of up to 3.5 million degrees Fahrenheit (or 2 million degrees Celsius), while the surface of the sun remains relatively cool at around 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (or 5,500 degrees Celsius)?

To answer this question, NASA's Solar Orbiter spacecraft has been equipped with cutting-edge technology that allows it to study the sun's corona in unprecedented detail. Launched in 2022, the mission aims to explore the mysteries of the corona and better understand the processes that govern the solar wind.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Solar Orbiter is its ability to capture high-resolution images of the sun's corona. By studying these images, scientists can gain insights into the dynamics of the coronal heating problem. For instance, they have discovered that the temperature of the corona increases as it stretches farther from the surface of the sun.

This phenomenon has significant implications for our understanding of the solar wind and its impact on the Earth's magnetic field. As NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained in a recent interview, 'The Solar Orbiter will help us better understand the interactions between the sun and the Earth's magnetic field, which is crucial for predicting space weather events.'

In conclusion, the Solar Orbiter is an exciting mission that has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the solar system. By studying the mysteries of the corona, scientists can gain valuable insights into the workings of our star and its impact on our planet.

Whether you're an astronomer or simply a space enthusiast, there's no denying the allure of the Solar Orbiter. Its quest to solve the coronal heating problem is a fascinating reminder of the vast mysteries that still await us in the universe.

Solar orbiter crossword clue