Voyager 1 deep space

Voyager 1, launched in 1977, is the farthest human-made object from Earth, now exploring interstellar space.

About this subject

Voyager 1 is a robotic space probe launched by NASA on September 5, 1977, with the primary mission to study Jupiter and Saturn. It made groundbreaking discoveries, including active volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io and intricate details of Saturn's rings. After its planetary flybys, the probe continued its outward journey and on August 25, 2012, became the first human-made object to cross the heliopause and enter interstellar space. As of now, Voyager 1 is over 24 billion kilometers from the Sun, traveling at approximately 17 km/s. Its instruments still collect data on interstellar plasma, cosmic rays, and magnetic fields, but the power from its radioisotope thermoelectric generators is diminishing. NASA expects to maintain contact until around 2025, after which the probe will no longer have enough energy to communicate. Onboard, the Golden Record carries greetings, music, and images of Earth, a time capsule for any potential extraterrestrial civilization. Voyager 1 stands as a testament to human curiosity and exploration, continuing to send back data that expands our understanding of the outermost regions of the Solar System.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Voyager 1 from Earth currently?

Voyager 1 is currently over 24 billion kilometers from Earth. This distance increases every second as the probe travels at about 17 km/s.

What did Voyager 1 discover at Jupiter and Saturn?

Voyager 1 discovered active volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io, detailed features of Saturn's rings, and several new moons, also providing close-up images of both planets.

What is the Golden Record and what does it contain?

The Golden Record is a phonograph record aboard Voyager 1 containing greetings in 55 languages, music from diverse cultures, natural sounds, and images of life on Earth, intended as a message for any extraterrestrial civilization.