NASA's STEREO-A Returns After 17 Years: What Secrets Will It Reveal?
After a 17-year-long odyssey in space, NASA's STEREO-A spacecraft is set to make a brief return to Earth's vicinity.
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The Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) mission initially comprised two spacecraft: STEREO-A (Ahead) and STEREO-B (Behind).
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In 2011, they achieved a significant milestone by positioning themselves on opposite sides of the Sun, offering a complete spherical view of our star for the first time.
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While STEREO-A continued its mission, STEREO-B lost contact in 2014 after a planned reset.
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STEREO-A's brief return isn't a mere pit stop; the spacecraft will collaborate with newer NASA missions.
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A recent theory suggests that coronal loops might be optical illusions.
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As STEREO-A makes its flyby, it will also detect eruptions from the Sun, known as CMEs.
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The last time STEREO-A was close to Earth, the Sun was in its "solar minimum" phase.
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With its unique vantage point and collaborative efforts, STEREO-A promises to shed light on the Sun's mysteries.
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