CLOSEST APPROACH CELEBRATION KIT


Join the Celebration of NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission as it Approaches the Sun!

On Dec. 24, 2024, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe made history when it came within just 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s surface

– while moving at speeds that would bring it from New York to Washington, D.C. in one second!

The Parker Solar Probe team at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Maryland – where the spacecraft was built and is operated today – has designed a kit of materials and activities to bring your audience inside this amazing mission.

Prepare a variety of activities for your attendees. You can often find great activities and materials at local clubs, schools, and museums. Activities often include storytelling and/or arts and crafts. You can also find a wide selection of recommended activities online.

Thank you for joining us to celebrate Parker Solar Probe’s closest approach to the Sun! We would love to hear about your event – your location, attendance, and what you did – to share with our team! Please use the Event Survey to provide the details. Once you submit this information, your organization will be entered to win a signed Parker Solar Probe poster designed by APL and signed by the PSP team!

Again, thank you for joining us and celebrating Parker!


The Mission Provide Hands-On Activities

In this kit you will find suggested guidelines, activities, and decorations to make your event fun and memorable. Everything you need to host a great party is right here at your fingertips.

The Mission Download and Share

Explore downloadable resources and videos to share the Parker Solar Probe mission's journey to the Sun.


Humanity Touches the Sun

Science Through Shadows, Humanity Touches the Sun film is available for FREE to use in your planetarium, museum, school, or community!

The flat screen versions can be viewed on any size screen.

Watch and Share Videos and Animations

Watch and share video clips that explain eclipses and contain exciting information about Parker Solar Probe, our closest spacecraft to the Sun!

Parker Solar Probe: The Journey Begins

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe launched from Florida Sunday, Aug. 12 to begin its journey to the Sun.

How Data Gets from the Sun to the Scientists

How does the Parker Solar Probe get information from the Sun to the scientists? It takes careful timing and aiming.

Parker Solar Probe: Keeping Its Cool

How does the Parker Solar Probe keep its cool? The answer is creative engineering.

Swing By Venus

Discover how Parker Solar Probe uses Venus to slingshot closer to the Sun.

The Mission Where to Find the Facts

Dive deep into the Parker Solar Probe mission and discover essential facts and resources!

Ask ParkerBot!

Ask ParkerBot!

ParkerBot is your virtual assistant for all things related to NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission, solar eclipses, and space weather. Get quick and reliable information at your fingertips.

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Space Weather and Heliophysics

Space Weather and Heliophysics

Explore how APL's work supports efforts to mitigate the effects of space weather on satellites, communication networks, and power grids. Discover insights into cutting-edge heliophysics research.

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NASA - Our Sun: Facts

NASA - Our Sun: Facts

The NASA Sun Fact page provides fascinating and comprehensive information about the Sun, exploring its structure, behavior, and impact on our solar system.

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NASA - Our Sun: Facts

Learn More About the Mission

Discover the groundbreaking mission of the Parker Solar Probe, designed to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere and solar winds, unlocking the mysteries of solar activity and its effects on our solar system.

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News-Center

Learn More About ‘Closest Approach’ and Other News Stories

Learn about solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and their effects on Earth’s atmosphere and technology.

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Celebrating with a PUNCH!

PUNCH

The PUNCH mission (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) and Parker Solar Probe (PSP) provide complementary perspectives on understanding how the Sun’s corona transitions into the solar wind that envelops the Solar System. Together, the outreach programs of these missions amplify educational impacts, engaging learners through culturally relevant and multi-sensory activities.

To celebrate Parker Solar Probe's closest approach to the Sun on December 24, 2024, PUNCH Outreach will contribute its theme of “Ancient & Modern Sun-watching,” enhancing participants' connection to heliophysics through activities such as “Touch the Solar Corona (Seeing with Your Hands)” and “The Petroglyph Inquiry.” These initiatives, developed with Native American, Spanish-speaking, and Blind/Low-Vision communities, create inclusive and enriching experiences, making the study of the Sun meaningful and accessible for all.




Invite Local Speakers

The Mission Additional Celebration Ideas

Get Involved with Your Community

Set Up a Photo Gallery

Get creative with your celebration! Consider setting up a Photo Gallery to inspire others and showcase the excitement of your event. Use your own photos, invite community submissions, or explore some of our curated images. Don't forget to check out the NASA’s Flickr Group gallery for inspiration and ideas!

Host a Solar Viewing Star Party

Gather your friends and family for a Solar Viewing Star Party! Set up telescopes, solar filters, and other equipment to safely observe the Sun. Share your passion for astronomy and the Parker Solar Probe mission with your community. Be sure to promote your event online to attract more attendees!

Share Your Experiences on Social Media

Celebrate the Parker Solar Probe mission by sharing your experiences on social media using the hashtag #ClosestApproach. Encourage others to join the conversation and share their excitement. Engaging with the community can enhance the experience and inspire others to learn more about solar exploration!

Stay Updated with NASA and APL Communities

Stay connected with the latest information from our NASA and APL communities through various social media channels. Follow their accounts for updates, exciting news, and to engage with other space enthusiasts. Keeping informed will help you maximize your celebration experience!

The Mission Explore Parker Solar Probe in 3D

Explore the Parker Solar Probe mission with NASA's interactive tool. Use the controls above to track the mission's progress in real-time!

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