https://www.dw.com/en/solar-orbiter-blasts-off-in-mission-to-the-sun/a-52319412 As the one major star that maintains our planet's existence any study of our magical Sun is of paramount importance.
It's important in terms of gaining scientific knowledge, but ultimately we have no control. The sun's going to do what the sun's going to do.
I was surprised to hear that the heat shield is made of boneblack which can withstand heat up to 500° C. Even after millions of years mankind has not come up with anything more resistant than that used for cave painting. Let's hope that the results will be useful for mankind.
For the sake of scientific study, I hope it is successful, but to go near that thermonuclear furnace is taking and enormous risk.
Well described, Lois...it is indeed a Thermonuclear Furnace, converting isotopes of Hydrogen into Helium with the attendant release of the energy of Fusion. Hal