Is it possible that humans can go to the Sun? This is what science says

The human desire to discover all corners of the Universe and explore them thoroughly is inexhaustible. This tireless passion motivates a constant search for methods to satisfy the latent desire in every mind that contemplates the magnificence of the sky, both at night and during the splendor of the day.

The Limits of Space Exploration

So far, what we have managed to understand about the Universe represents only a tiny fraction of the immensity of outer space. This limitation is evident, even when we do not even fully know our own planet. Despite this, we do not give up on the idea of exploring space and unraveling its mysteries, driven not only by scientific curiosity, but also by the appeal of space tourism, an idea that is gaining ground as a promising long-term project.

Is It Really Possible to Visit the Sun?

The desire to get closer and explore worlds beyond the confines of Earth is no longer limited to neighboring planets. Now, the question arises if it is possible to visit our mother star, the majestic Sun that provides us with the essential light to maintain life on our planet. This challenge has become one of the greatest objectives of humanity. To clarify this issue, we consulted Dr. Alejandro Farah Simón, member of the Astronomy Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the University Space Program (PEU), who shared his perspective on the matter.

How likely is it that we can go to the Sun someday?

In the current era, despite the technology available, traveling to the Sun remains extremely difficult. This is mainly because the surface of our parent star is composed primarily of helium and hydrogen, meaning there is no solid surface to land on. Furthermore, the average temperature in the outer layer of the Sun is around 5,500 degrees Celsius, and we do not have materials that can withstand such temperatures.

The Insurmountable Challenges

Additionally, the temperature in the solar corona is hundreds of times higher, which would require a complex, real-time navigation system to avoid solar mass ejections. Even tens of millions of kilometers from the solar surface, a spacecraft would disintegrate instantly due to the intense solar wind.

An outstanding example of the capacity of human ingenuity is the Parker probe, which has managed to get close to the solar corona with the purpose of studying and monitoring it. This probe is the artificial object that has come closest to the Sun and has an 11-centimeter-thick thermal shield made of a composite material that serves as thermal defense. However, this shield would be completely useless on the surface of the Sun, as the specialist points out.

Additional Challenges: Solar Radiation and Gravity

We have not yet addressed the challenge of solar radiation, which is found in massive quantities in outer space, which complicates the proper functioning of any electronic system. Furthermore, we must take into account that the gravity in space is much greater than that of our planet, which would force us to travel at much higher orbital speeds to avoid being absorbed by the Sun, even before approaching its surface. This is a fundamental aspect to consider in any exploration or attempt to approach the Sun.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is it so difficult to reach the Sun?

Travel to the Sun is extremely difficult due to the star's lack of a solid surface and the extremely high temperatures in its outer layer.

What technological challenges must we overcome to reach the Sun?

Challenges include resistance to extreme temperatures, solar radiation and intense gravity in space near the Sun.

Have there been attempts to get closer to the Sun?

Yes, the Parker probe is an example, but even it would not be able to land on the solar surface due to the extreme conditions.

Conclusion

In short, despite technological advances, the idea that humans can travel to the Sun remains a distant and unattainable dream. The scientific and technological challenges are enormous, and the safety of astronauts would be practically impossible to guarantee in such extreme conditions. However, the search for answers and exploration continues, and perhaps one day, science will surprise us with a solution to these seemingly insurmountable challenges. Until then, the Sun remains an unattainable enigma in our solar system.

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