NASA's Parker Solar Probe and MAVEN Face Challenges in Space

NASA's Parker Solar Probe has recently captured a remarkable view of solar material performing a 'U-turn' after erupting from the sun. During its close approach on Christmas Eve 2024, Parker observed a coronal mass ejection, or CME, demonstrating how solar material can be recycled by the sun's magnetic fields.

Nour Rawafi, the project scientist for Parker at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, emphasized the significance of these findings for forecasting space weather, which can impact Earth and other planets in the solar system.

Meanwhile, NASA's MAVEN spacecraft, which studies Mars' atmosphere, has been silent since December 4, raising concerns about its status. An analysis of tracking signals indicated that MAVEN may be rotating unexpectedly and that its orbit has potentially changed.

MAVEN, which has provided crucial data on Mars' atmospheric evolution since its launch in 2013, serves as a communication link for surface missions, including the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers. However, with MAVEN's silence, NASA is now relying on other orbiters, such as the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Odyssey, to maintain communication with Martian surface operations, as they continue their scientific missions.