Thomas Zurbuchen

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How a NASA Probe Solved a Scorching Solar Mystery

April 29, 2024

The outer layers of the sun’s atmosphere are a blistering million degrees hotter than its surface. The hidden culprit? Magnetic activity.

About the author

Thomas H. Zurbuchen is a professor and leader of the space programs at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich in Switzerland. Known in the space community as “Dr. Z,” Zurbuchen was the longest continually serving head of science at NASA, a post he held from 2016 to 2022. As associate administrator for NASA’s science mission directorate, he was responsible for all aspects of NASA leadership in space science. During his tenure, NASA launched 37 science missions and started 54, including the James Webb Space Telescope, two Mars landings, the Ingenuity helicopter, Parker Solar Probe and the DART mission. Zurbuchen also conceived and led the Earth System Observatory, an advanced multi-platform observatory that creates a 3D holistic view of the Earth, from bedrock to atmosphere. Zurbuchen holds a master’s degree and doctorate in physics/astrophysics from the University of Bern and worked at the University of Michigan as a researcher, teacher and innovator for two decades. He was the founder of the award-winning Center for Entrepreneurship there, which achieved top rating within the U.S. for its educational and experiential programs. He is a member of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences, recipient of the NASA Outstanding Service Medal, associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, distinguished level. He is a winner of the Excellence in International Cooperation Award of the International Astronautical Federation and has received multiple honorary doctorates.

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Thomas Zurbuchen

How a NASA Probe Solved a Scorching Solar Mystery

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Thomas Zurbuchen

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How a NASA Probe Solved a Scorching Solar Mystery