Heliophysics Missions and Programs
NASA HEAT
Heliophysics
Missions and Programs
Heliophysics Systems Observatory
The NASA Heliophysics Systems Observatory works with other NASA systems observatories to give NASA a complete picture of the Sun-Earth System. Mapping out this interconnected system requires a holistic study of the Sun’s influence on space, Earth and other planets. NASA has a fleet of spacecraft strategically placed throughout our heliosphere—from Parker Solar Probe at the Sun observing the very start of the solar wind, to satellites around Earth, to the farthest human-made object, Voyager, which is sending back observations on interstellar space. Each mission is positioned at a critical, well-thought out vantage point to observe and understand the flow of energy and particles throughout the solar system—all helping us untangle the effects of the star we live with.
Credits: NASA
Heliophysics Mission Resources
Explore these resources from the Heliophysics Resource Database to teach learners about NASA heliophysics missions and programs.
NASA Helio Club
Explore multiple heliophysics missions and other NASA program missions with a set of lessons and activities for out-of-school time environments or the classroom.
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Student Helioviewer
A student-friendly interactive with accessible NASA data, collected by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, the joint ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and others, about the Sun and its features, including solar flares, magnetic fields, sunspots, and CMEs.
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Build a Model Solar Probe
Discover the Parker Solar Probe and embark on a mission to the Sun with this easy-to-build spacecraft model.
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
IBEX Mission Heliosphere Infographic and Activity
Model the parts of the heliosphere with this infographic, created with real data from the IBEX mission. Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Exploring the Sun with Solar Orbiter
Watch a conversation about the Solar Orbiter mission with NASA scientist Dr. Teresa Nieves-Chinchilla (17 min video).
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Estimate the Speed of a Lunar Shadow with DSCOVR Mission Data
5 math problems created by a NASA scientist, using DSCOVR data collected during the 2017 eclipse across the US.
Level: Intermediate
Energy of a Magnetic Field and Solar Flares (MMS Data)
This activity helps students consider the energy stored in the magnetic field produced by different configurations of magnets and apply their findings to explain the release of energy from solar flares.
Level: Advanced
Make a Suncatcher with SDO Images
Make a suncatcher, inspired by images of the Sun captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).
Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Parker Solar Probe Videos
These four short videos (approximately 4 minutes each) examine the challenges of NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission to touch the Sun.
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Coronal Mass Ejection Science "Digi Kit" (SOHO Data)
This web-based interactive lab blends physics and space science as students analyze authentic data from the NASA SOHO space observatory to measure the speed of a coronal mass ejection (CME). Level: Advanced
Sunspot Science "Digi Kit" (SOHO Data)
This web-based interactive lab uses authentic data from NASA's Solar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), to have students explore sunspot images to make meaning of the terms "frequency" and "period" within the context of a natural phenomenon occurring on the sun.
Level: Advanced
Space Weather Math
Educator guide containing hands-on activities, with embedded math problems, that explore the causes and effects of space weather. Includes data from SDO, Hinode, and other heliophysics missions.
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Heliophysics Resource Database
Find more heliophysics resources at each level in the Heliophysics Resource Database.
Resource Database
Jul 9, 2024
Heliophysics Big Year Resources
Celebrate the Heliophysics Big Year with Heliophysics, Math-focused Webinars
The Heliophysics Big Year (HBY) is a global celebration of the Sun's influence on Earth and the entire solar system. It began with the Annular Solar Eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023, continued through the Total Solar Eclipse on Apr. 8, 2024, and will conclude with Parker Solar Probe’s closest approach to the Sun in December 2024. Join us every month to learn more about how you can participate in as many Sun-related activities as possible!
NASA photographer Keegan Barber captured this image of totality from Dallas, Texas, during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
