Sun

::{{otheruses}} For the astrological significance of the Sun, see Solar system in astrology.

Solar space missions

To obtain an uninterrupted view of the Sun, the European Space Agency and NASA cooperatively launched the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) on December 2, 1995.

Related Topics:
European Space Agency - NASA - Solar and Heliospheric Observatory - December 2 - 1995

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Elemental abundances in the photosphere are well known from spectroscopic studies, but the composition of the interior of the Sun is much less well known. A solar wind sample return mission, Genesis, was designed to allow astronomers to directly measure the composition of solar material. It returned to Earth in 2004 and is undergoing analysis, but it was damaged by crash-landing when its parachute failed to deploy on reentry to Earth's atmosphere.

Related Topics:
Spectroscopic - Solar wind - Genesis - Earth - 2004 - Parachute - Atmosphere

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