Astrophysics (Index) | About |
Voyager 1 and 2 are space probes launched in 1977 to explore the outer solar system and its planets, and beyond. Voyager 1 flew by Jupiter and Saturn and Voyager 2 flew by Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Both are now considered, by some criteria, out of the solar system, i.e., where the magnetic fields, dust/gas, and particle makeup associated with the solar system has given way to that of the local region of the galaxy. As of 1/2019, their distances from the Sun are roughly 145 and 120 AU. Their sensors are still operating and they are still transmitting data, but in the 2020s, they will be shut down in stages as their available power falls, aiming to maximize the data they provide before we lose communication.
Instruments: