Nasa spacecraft trying closest-ever approach to Sun

The Parker Solar Probe, a Nasa spacecraft, is attempting to make history with the closest-ever approach to the Sun, the BBC writes.

The spacecraft is plunging into our star’s outer atmosphere, enduring brutal temperatures and extreme radiation.

It is out of communication for several days; scientists will be waiting for a signal, expected on Dec. 28, to see if it has survived.

Dr Nicola Fox, head of science at Nasa, told BBC News, “For centuries, people have studied the Sun, but you don’t experience the atmosphere of a place until you actually go visit it.”