NASA’s Parker Solar Probe completed its 28th close‑up of the sun, slipping to 3.8 million miles from the surface and revving up to 430,000 mph. The visit duplicates the 2024 record speed and distance, confirming the heat shield remains intact and the probe’s instruments stay reliable.

In May, solar energy eclipsed coal as the largest electricity source in the United States, generating 45.5 TWh versus coal’s 43.4 TWh. Ember reports solar captured 12.8 % of U.S. power, while coal dropped to 12.2 %, its lowest share in five years.

The probe’s data feed tracks the sun’s 11‑year cycle, capturing the 2024 solar maximum and preparing for the gradual decline ahead. The record‑breaking performance demonstrates the craft’s resilience and fuels better space‑weather forecasting.

Solar’s rise signals a decisive shift in the U.S. energy mix, showing that clean power can outpace fossil fuels even amid policy swings. The milestone confirms the long‑term viability of solar infrastructure.