Entrepreneur | Posted on
To simply know anything – even the littlest things about the space – that it can find.
Such findings can take us a step ahead in understanding the universe better. In fact, broadly put, this is usually the core mission of every NASA aircraft.
(Courtesy: CBC)But to be more definite, the original mission of NASA’s Voyager 2 Spacecraft was to visit other planets in the solar system, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
It was launched on 20th August 1977. In 1989, the spacecraft cross Neptune, the farthest known planet to us—becoming the first (and only) one to do that.
Ever since then, Voyager 2 Spacecraft has continued its journey well and beyond, covering more and more distance in the solar system. Right now, it is 18 billion kilometers away from earth, into the interstellar space. Interstellar space is defined as space where the sun’s magnetic field stop affecting its surroundings.
(Courtesy: Space.com)Scientists hope that the spacecraft will continue its journey and finally reach the edge of the solar system. That’s the new and ultimate goal right now with Voyager 2.
Also read: Why NASA is afraid of ISRO?
Now note, this “edge of the universe” is 150 billion kilometers away from our sun and stretches till 30 trillion kilometers. And Voyager 2 aircraft has just covered 18 billion kilometers away from Earth. So, it clearly has a long way to go. And it’s uncertain if NASA will stay in contact with the spacecraft for very long, at such a long distance.
Clearly, some of us might not be even here when it reaches the “edge”. However, it has just entered the interstellar space, which is a big deal in itself.
Check this video to know more about the edge of the tomorrow:
Voyager 2 Spacecraft is monitored by the Canberra tracking stations and the Parkes Radio Telescope. And interestingly, even at such a distance, it can still be seen from Southern Hemisphere.
For us normal people, it might not be a big thing. But for scientists and enthusiasts who spend their entire lives in these things, Voyager 2 Spacecraft is no less than a wonder and holy grail to study about.
0
0
0