Astronomy
Solar Radiation Pressure Effects on Interplanetary Trajectories
Quick fact
On a typical interplanetary spacecraft, solar radiation pressure can cause a trajectory drift of hundreds to thousands of kilometers over a mission lasting several years, which is why navigation teams must continuously refine the predicted path.
Why this is interesting
You've probably felt the warmth of sunlight, but did you know that the very same light can push a spacecraft millions of kilometers off course? Even though photons have no mass, they deliver a faint but constant push that mission planners cannot ignore.