Heliophysics Missions and Programs

In this image of the Sun, the areas of greatest intensity appear almost white, while the darker red areas indicate less intensity.

How can I use heliophysics missions to excite learners?

The NASA Heliophysics Systems Observatory works with other NASA systems observatories to give NASA a complete picture of the Sun-Earth System. By studying the Sun and other objects in the solar system, scientists can learn more about other stars and planetary systems. In turn, learning about other stars can teach us about the origin of our solar system and the origin of life on Earth.

NASA’s heliophysics mission fleet spans the entire heliosphere. From the Voyager Mission, which crossed the heliosphere boundary, and is the only human-made object to leave the heliosphere; to Parker Solar Probe, which will fly into the atmosphere of the Sun, and will be the closest human-made object to ever "touch the Sun."

Search our Heliophysics Resources for engaging resources connected to these heliophysics missions and more. Or explore the Heliophysics Big Ideas to learn more about how to engage learners in heliophysics activities at different levels.

The background of the image is the right half of a Sun on the left side of the image and blue magnetic field lines surrounding the Earth on the right side. There are a multitude of current heliophysics missions scattered throughout.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Explore all of NASA’s Heliophysics Missions and Programs or search a complete directory of NASA Science missions.

Featured Resources

Illustration of Parker Solar Probe with the Sun behind it

Parker Solar Probe

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is the first-ever mission to "touch" the Sun.

Helio Big Year logo with orange letters on white background

Heliophysics Big Year

The Heliophysics Big Year is a global celebration of solar science and the Sun’s influence on Earth and the entire solar system.

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