| 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 out of the solar system, i.e., beyond where the magnetic fields, dust/gas, and particle makeup associated with the solar system gives way to that of the local region of the galaxy. As of 2/2024, their distances from the Sun are roughly 163 and 136 AU (≈ 1/400 light-year after ≈55 years' travel). They have sensors still operating and they still transmit data, but over 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: