![]() ![]() They predict that the orbiter’s view will likely be of two enormous, dark coronal holes. They found that the poles look completely different when viewed from the top than when they are viewed from the equator. ![]() To get a sense of what the spacecraft might observe, the team behind the orbiter did a prospective 3D print of the Sun’s magnetic field. Extended mission: If extended, the Solar Orbiter could reach up to 33 degrees latitude to the solar equator - providing the most-direct view of the Sun's poles currently possible.ĭuring the close encounters, the spacecraft will essentially be staring down directly at the Sun’s magnetic poles, providing a new perspective on an area which scientists believe may be responsible for the eruption of solar wind.Īnimation showing the trajectory of Solar Orbiter around the Sun. 2027: The Solar Orbiter reaches 24 degrees latitude relative to the solar equator. ![]() 2025: The Solar Orbiter reaches 17 degrees latitude relative to the solar equator. 2022: The Solar Orbiter has its first close pass of the Sun - distance of about 31 million miles from the Sun. Orbiter will also complete its only planned flyby of Earth. November, 2021: Initial cruise phase of the mission ends. It will make several more throughout its mission. December, 2020: Solar Orbiter makes its first flyby of Venus. Here's a timeline of the mission: February 9, 2020: An Atlas V 411 rocket will launch the Solar Orbiter from SLC-41 atCape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Solar Orbiter will travel in an elliptical orbit around the Sun, completing one orbit every 168 days. Engineers at the IABG facility in Ottobrunn, Germany getting the orbiter ready for launch. ![]()
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