Proba-3: our eyes on the Sun’s inner corona

Unlocking the Secrets of the Sun's Inner Corona: Proba-3's Groundbreaking Mission

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 mission has made a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the Sun's inner corona, the hottest part of our star's atmosphere. By flying two spacecraft in precisely controlled formation, Proba-3 has created artificial solar eclipses in orbit, allowing scientists to observe the inner section of the corona with unprecedented clarity. In this article, we'll delve into the details of Proba-3's mission, its findings, and the implications of this groundbreaking research.

The Proba-3 Mission: A Unique Approach to Observing the Sun

Proba-3 consists of two spacecraft, which are designed to fly in tandem, creating a shadow on the Sun's surface. This allows the ASPIICS coronagraph, an instrument aboard one of the spacecraft, to observe the inner corona without the interference of direct sunlight. The coronagraph uses a combination of filters and spectral lines to capture the solar corona, providing scientists with a detailed view of the Sun's atmosphere.

Capturing the Inner Corona: ASPIICS' Unique Instrumentation

The ASPIICS coronagraph is equipped with several filters, including two different spectral lines, each corresponding to a different element contained in the coronal gases. By observing the solar corona through these filters, scientists can gain insights into the composition and dynamics of the Sun's atmosphere. The ASPIICS instrument also captures the solar corona with a yellow filter, similar to how a human eye would see it during a total eclipse.

Prominences: The Solar Atmosphere's Dynamic Nature

During an active period on 21 September 2025, Proba-3's ASPIICS instrument captured three prominence eruptions in just five hours. Prominences are structures made of relatively cold plasma, which can expand outwards from the Sun and erupt, breaking up and sending plasma in different directions. These events are rare and provide scientists with valuable insights into the Sun's dynamic nature.

The Significance of Proba-3's Findings

Proba-3's mission has provided scientists with a unique opportunity to observe the inner section of the Sun's corona, a region that has so far been missing from consistent solar observations. The mission's findings have significant implications for our understanding of the Sun's atmosphere and its impact on the solar system. By studying the solar corona, scientists can gain insights into the Sun's magnetic field, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections, which can affect Earth's magnetic field and upper atmosphere.

Practical Insights and Implications

Proba-3's mission has several practical implications for our daily lives. By understanding the Sun's dynamic nature, scientists can better predict solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can impact Earth's magnetic field and upper atmosphere. This knowledge can be used to develop more accurate space weather forecasts, which can help protect satellite communications, power grids, and other critical infrastructure.

Forward-Looking Thoughts and Implications

Proba-3's mission has opened up new avenues for research into the Sun's atmosphere and its impact on the solar system. Future missions, such as the ESA's Solar Orbiter and NASA's Parker Solar Probe, will continue to explore the Sun's corona and magnetic field, providing scientists with a deeper understanding of our star's dynamic nature. As we continue to explore the Sun and its impact on the solar system, we may uncover new insights into the fundamental laws of physics and the workings of the universe.

In conclusion, Proba-3's mission has made a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the Sun's inner corona, providing scientists with a unique opportunity to observe the inner section of the corona with unprecedented clarity. The mission's findings have significant implications for our understanding of the Sun's atmosphere and its impact on the solar system, and will continue to shape our understanding of the universe for years to come.

Source: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2026/01/Proba-3_our_eyes_on_the_Sun_s_inner_corona