Launched in 2018, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has been making groundbreaking strides in solar research. In its mission to study the sun up close, the spacecraft has already achieved a monumental feat by flying through the sun’s corona—the outermost layer of its atmosphere, visible during solar eclipses. The next major milestone is set for this Tuesday, when Parker will make its closest approach yet, coming within a record 3.8 million miles (6 million kilometers) of the sun’s surface. According to NASA scientist Joe Westlake, this is equivalent to being at the 4-yard line if the sun and Earth were positioned at opposite ends of a football field. NASA Space Apps Challenge: 11th edition ends with award giving ceremony Due to communication limitations during the flyby, mission controllers won’t know the spacecraft’s status until several days afterward. Designed for extreme conditions, Parker will travel at an unprecedented speed of 430,000 mph (690,000 kph), making it the fastest spacecraft ever constructed. Its advanced heat shield can endure temperatures as high as 2,500°F (1,371°C). Parker will maintain its proximity to the sun until at least September, providing scientists with valuable insights into the solar corona, which is mysteriously hundreds of times hotter than the sun’s surface. Researchers also hope to uncover the mechanisms behind the solar wind—a continuous stream of charged particles that can occasionally disrupt Earth’s communications and power systems. NASA’s Chief Astronaut Joseph M. Acaba concludes historic visit to Bangladesh Currently, the sun is in the peak phase of its 11-year cycle, a period marked by heightened solar activity and vivid auroras appearing in unexpected regions. Describing the sun’s dual nature, Westlake remarked, “It is our closest, friendliest neighbor, but at times, it shows a fiery temperament.”

An investigation committee has been formed to probe the latest violence  in Khagrachhari district over the death of a school teacher in mob lynching . The 4-member committee will be led by the Additional District Magistrate of Khagrachari, said Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shahiduzzaman on Wednesday. Besides, Section 144 imposed in the area after violence on Tuesday was withdrawn at 3 pm today. Meanwhile, two cases were filed over allegations of raping a student at Khagrachhari Technical School and College and the incidents of obstruction of government duties and assault. Now case has been filed over the mob lynching yet. No one was arrested in connection with the cases. Deputy Commissioner and the Police Superintendent visited the affected areas. A teacher of the school, Abul Hasanat Sohel Rana, was killed on Tuesday in a lynch-mob attack over the allegations that he had raped a student of class 7 at the same school. The aftermath of this incident sparked protests in the town  starting in the afternoon, leading to several clashes between the ethnic minority and Bengali communities. During the clashes , several vehicles were vandalized, and shops were damaged and torched.