After overcoming months of challenges and suspenseful waiting, Voyager 1 has reestablished communication with Earth. This signals a potential path to recovery for the iconic spacecraft, allowing it to continue its journey through interstellar space. Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 made brief stops at Jupiter and Saturn before venturing beyond our solar system. Alongside its twin, Voyager 2, these probes hold the record for the longest-operating space missions, now focused on studying distant solar particles and cosmic rays. Their observations include monitoring changes in the sun’s magnetic field and plasma density outside the solar system, providing valuable insights into the outer limits of the sun’s influence.
“The endurance of the spacecraft is truly remarkable. It’s an incredible feat,” Dodd remarks. “Our goal is to extend Voyager’s mission for as long as possible to capture these significant changes over time.”
2024-04-26 10:45:00
Originally published on www.sciencenews.org