Scientific Milestones of Voyager 2: Exploring the Outer Solar System and Interstellar Space
Voyager 2, launched in 1977, remains the only spacecraft to have visited all four gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune). It utilized a rare geometric alignment of planets that occurs once every 176 years to perform gravity assists. In 2018, it entered interstellar space, where its instruments allowed it to measure the temperature and speed of interstellar plasma for the first time. It carries the 'Golden Record,' a 12-inch gold-plated copper phonograph containing sounds and images from Earth, designed to last over a billion years in vacuum.
Key Points
- Voyager 2 is the only man-made object to have flown by Uranus (1986) and Neptune (1989).
- It entered interstellar space in November 2018, following its twin Voyager 1.
- The spacecraft carries a 'Golden Record' with greetings in 55 languages and 115 images.
- It used a planetary alignment occurring once every 176 years to reduce travel time significantly.
Exam Facts
- Launched August 20, 1977.
- Flyby of Uranus in 1986 and Neptune in 1989.
- Entered interstellar space in November 2018.
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