Science News Roundup: Solar probe embarks on an unprecedented mission to map the sun's polar regions

Following is a summary of current science news briefs.

Solar probe embarks on an unprecedented mission to map the sun's polar regions

A new probe built by NASA and the European Space Agency set off on a blazing hot journey to the sun on Sunday to take the first close-up look at the star's polar regions, a mission expected to yield insight into how solar radiant energy affects Earth. The Solar Orbiter spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 11:03 p.m. ET (0403 GMT Monday), kicking off a 10-year voyage.

(With inputs from agencies.)