It's Official! Voyager 1 Spacecraft Has Left Solar System

Space.com ^ | 9/12/2013 | Space.com

[Dallas59]

A spacecraft from Earth has left its cosmic backyard and taken its first steps in interstellar space.

After streaking through space for nearly 35 years, NASA's robotic Voyager 1 probe finally left the solar system in August 2012, a study published today (Sept. 12) in the journal Science reports.

"Voyager has boldly gone where no probe has gone before, marking one of the most significant technological achievements in the annals of the history of science, and as it enters interstellar space, it adds a new chapter in human scientific dreams and endeavors," NASA science chief John Grunsfeld said in a statement. "Perhaps some future deep-space explorers will catch up with Voyager, our first interstellar envoy, and reflect on how this intrepid spacecraft helped enable their future." [NASA's Voyager Probes: 5 Surprising Facts]

[dfwgator]

Yep, that one got by me.

[fr_freak]

It's Official! Voyager 1 Spacecraft Has Left Solar System

Huh, what some things will do to escape Obamacare.

[workerbee]

So for the astronomers out there --- when our sun goes nova (5-10 million years? more?), how far away would one have to be to avoid the catastrophe? Is it possible that Voyager will still be out there somewhere after we've all been annihilated?

Is anyone else thinking of that ST:TNG ep and Picard playing the recorder?

[colorado tanker]

I'm really glad the Pluto probe was sent before the planet was de-listed. I'm looking forward to the images too.

Just in my lifetime we've gone from fuzzy telescope images of the planets to detailed photos and a trove of new information. It's pretty amazing.

[Hot Tabasco]

After streaking through space for nearly 35 years, NASA's robotic Voyager 1 probe finally left the solar system

All I have to say is WOW! I hope I live long enough till we discover sentient life somewhere in this universe.........

[The Chid]

http://www.xkcd.com/1189/

The mouse over explains it all.

[Tijeras_Slim]

It left the solar system over a year ago and we’re only now hearing about it?

It took a while for the postcard to get here.

[cripplecreek]

The Juno mission to Jupiter will get a gravity assist from earth in another 26 days. Its been as far out as the asteroid belt but is falling back to pick up speed.



The Dawn Mission will reach Ceres in 2015 as well I believe.

[Vendome]

How kewel is that.

Just don’t violate the Prime Directive.

[Gator113]

I just hope it finds Elvis.

[cripplecreek]

With today's technology, would it be possible to launch an unmanned mission to retrieve Voyager I?

[blueunicorn6]

“After streaking through space”
Put some clothes on, for goodness sakes! What will the neighbors think?

[blueunicorn6]

How many channels does that thing get?

[RandallFlagg]

**I can't believe no one has posted this pic yet**

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Dallas59, and an extra to APoD.

· join · view topics · view or post blog · bookmark · post new topic · subscribe ·

Google news searches: exoplanet · exosolar · extrasolar ·

[colorado tanker]

Veeger will be baaaack.

[morphing libertarian]

I’m at risk of having a senior moment, but I thought this was in the papers at the time.

[LibLieSlayer]

I watched a program on this a few nights ago and they were pretty certain that it had entered interstellar space but they were waiting on the data from Voyager to confirm the “if and when”.

[SgtHooper]

One of the many testaments to human ingenuity! Incredible! After earth is destroyed by an asteroid, this may be the only remaining evidence of humankind.

[Redcitizen]

Sometimes you have to post at warp speed to get your say in before someone else.