Visualisation of Solar Orbiter's February 2025 Venus flyby

Solar Orbiter's flyby of Venus in February 2025 used the planet's gravity to 'tilt' the spacecraft's orbit around the Sun. Increasing the inclination of the orbit grants the spacecraft a better view of the Sun's polar regions. Scientists will use Solar Oribter's unique view on these regions to improve our understanding of solar activity, space weather, and the Sun-Earth connection.

This GIF was created using the 'Where is Solar Orbiter?' tool.