In a groundbreaking announcement, NASA reveals that Voyager 1 has made an extraordinary discovery 45 years after its launch. This unexpected find defies current scientific understanding and opens up new possibilities for space exploration and our knowledge of the universe. Join us as we delve into the details of this astonishing discovery, explore what it means for the future of space science, and hear from experts on its potential implications. Don't miss this incredible update from the frontier of human exploration!
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00:00NASA says its Voyager 1 probe, the most distant human-made object in the universe, is sending
00:10usable information to Earth again.
00:12NASA engineers have re-established communication with the Voyager 1 spacecraft, Earth's most
00:17distant emissary, after months of troubleshooting a glitch that had rendered the probe's transmissions
00:23unreadable.
00:24What shocking discovery has NASA's Voyager probes made after 45 years in orbit?
00:29Despite having little memory and sluggish data rates, these 1977-launched spacecraft
00:34have been at the vanguard of interstellar research for a considerable amount of time.
00:39But Voyager 1 has recently returned data that has scientists puzzled and worried.
00:44Information about the control system is inconsistent with how it is now operating, suggesting an
00:49impossibility.
00:51Come along with us as we explore the universe to solve this riddle.
00:54On September 5, 1977, Voyager 1 was launched into orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida, using
01:00a Titan III-E Centaur rocket.
01:03An incredible trip had begun with this.
01:06On August 20, 1977, 13 days prior, Voyager 2 began a corresponding space mission, starting
01:12a parallel trip.
01:14Their primary objective at first was to investigate the moons of the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn
01:18in our solar system.
01:20These brave adventurers far exceeded their original objectives by embarking on a trip
01:24that would lead them to the furthest reaches of our cosmic neighborhood.
01:28Voyagers 1 and 2 have broken many records during their historic mission.
01:32Having outlasted every previous spacecraft in history, they have flown farther from Earth
01:36than any other human-made object.
01:39In interstellar space, these are the first objects created by humans.
01:43From their exploration of portions of the galaxy that are yet unknown to science and
01:47beyond the influence of the sun, scientists have gathered an immense amount of priceless
01:51data.
01:53These groundbreaking interstellar probes are located more than 12 billion kilometers from
01:57Earth, and their discoveries never cease to astound physicists.
02:01We'll talk more about one amazing and unanticipated discovery later on that scientists could never
02:06have imagined.
02:07The twin probes of Voyager have accomplished amazing things throughout the years.
02:12Over 40 years ago, they made the astonishing discovery that there were moons on Jupiter
02:16and Saturn, shocking scientists and upending their preconceived assumptions about these
02:20far-off planets.
02:22These moons turned out to be throbbing with geological activity, defying earlier theories
02:27that they would be dead and cratered like our own moon.
02:30Particularly during its voyage, Voyager 2 accomplished a number of noteworthy milestones.
02:35As the first spacecraft to sail past Uranus, it made history in 1986.
02:40That was the sole spacecraft to fly past Neptune, having done so three years later.
02:45From Neptune's ferocious winds and icy volcanoes on Triton, to the hitherto undiscovered moons
02:51of Uranus, this amazing voyage provided a plethora of knowledge about these far-off
02:55ice giants.
02:57NASA has implemented multiple procedures aimed at extending the spacecraft's operating lifespan
03:02while it continues its amazing voyage.
03:05By turning off heaters and non-essential parts to save energy, the spaceship will continue
03:09to operate far beyond the next 10 years.
03:13Since the Voyager's mission is planned to conclude in 2030, this meticulous management
03:17guarantees that they will be able to continue returning data as long as possible.
03:22For the scientists and engineers who have been involved in this amazing journey from
03:25the beginning, the Voyager mission's end is a moment of mixed emotions.
03:29A mission far more successful than anyone could have imagined has resulted from their
03:33commitment and tenacity.
03:35Many scientific advances and significant new understandings of our solar system and beyond
03:40have resulted from the data that the Voyagers brought back.
03:44Future generations of scientists and space enthusiasts have also been inspired by them.
03:49Beyond our wildest expectations before their launch, the Voyagers have experienced and
03:54captured the wonders of our solar system.
03:57These missions have revolutionized our knowledge of these celestial worlds, revealing secrets
04:02like the frozen shell of Europa, the towering volcanic plumes on Io, one of Jupiter's moons,
04:09and the amazing discovery of Jupiter's thin rings.
04:13Previously believed to be lifeless and desolate, the amazing pictures and data they returned
04:18showed lively and active worlds.
04:21New questions emerged as Voyager 2 traveled farther and encountered Neptune and Uranus.
04:27Highlighting the richness and complexity of our solar system's outer planets were the
04:31finding of ten hitherto undiscovered moons around Uranus and the harsh weather on Neptune,
04:37where winds might reach 1,000 miles per hour.
04:40With surface temperatures down to minus 391 degrees Fahrenheit, minus 235 degrees Celsius,
04:47Triton, the biggest moon of Neptune, was discovered to be among the solar system's coldest locations.
04:54Other surprising discoveries included the ice volcanoes of Triton, which released frozen
04:59particles and nitrogen gas.
05:01As Voyager 2 carried on its extensive exploration of the outer planets, Voyager 1's trajectory
05:07brought it dangerously close to Saturn's moon Titan, exposing its hazy orange atmosphere
05:12and intricate chemistry.
05:14Many new concerns concerning the nature of these far-off worlds were raised by each encounter,
05:19which yielded a plethora of data that challenged preconceived notions.
05:23Ordinary spacecraft were not what Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 were.
05:27Their precise design called for them to be stable platforms, rotating at a rate that
05:32is over 15 times slower than a clock's hour hand.
05:35Because of its design, there was less visual blur as the spaceship was speeding through
05:39space and taking pictures and data.
05:43Even before they encountered the outer planets, their astounding imaging skills started to
05:47amaze scientists and the general public.
05:50While still several months away from Jupiter, the spacecraft began to transmit photographs
05:55of the planet.
05:56The gas giant's whirling clouds and recognizable great red spot were seen in these early photos,
06:02which thrilled viewers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
06:06But the real catalyst for the Voyagers' groundbreaking observations was the finding of active volcanoes
06:11on Jupiter's moon, Io.
06:14It was discovered that Io, a moon that is marginally bigger than Earth, is the solar
06:18system's most volcanically active body.
06:21Our knowledge of these far-off planets has changed as a result of the Voyagers' research
06:25of their moons and outer planets.
06:27The astounding discovery that Europa, the moon of Jupiter, may have an ocean beneath
06:32its frozen surface, sparked curiosity about the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
06:38Similar to this, the finding of geysers flowing from Enceladus, the moon of Saturn, indicated
06:43the possibility of liquid water beneath the surface of the planet.
06:47These results have motivated follow-up missions to learn more about these fascinating moons,
06:52and have significant implications for the hunt for extraterrestrial life.
06:56The experiences that Voyager 2 had with Neptune and Uranus were equally revolutionary.
07:02During the probe's approach to Uranus, it was discovered that the featureless blue-green
07:06planet had many moons, including the fascinatingly active Miranda, and a complicated magnetic
07:12field.
07:14Humanity received its first detailed photographs of Neptune in 1989, when Voyager 2 passed
07:19close to the planet, revealing its vibrant atmosphere, deep blue color, and great dark
07:26spot.
07:27In addition, the spacecraft confirmed that there are weak rings surrounding the planet
07:32and found six additional moons.
07:34The Voyagers' equipment continued to send back important scientific data as they traveled
07:39farther into space.
07:41Crucial data regarding the heliosphere, the bubble-shaped area of space dominated by the
07:45sun's magnetic field and solar wind, was supplied by the probe.
07:50The Voyagers were able to investigate the interstellar medium, the sparse environment
07:54between the stars, after passing through the heliopause, which marks the edge of the heliosphere.
08:01The unexpected rise in cosmic rays found in interstellar space is one of the most astonishing
08:06recent findings from the Voyager probes.
08:09This discovery has caused scientists to reconsider their theories about the interstellar medium
08:14and the environment beyond our solar system.
08:17The information gathered by the Voyagers on magnetic fields, plasma waves, and cosmic
08:22rays is still very helpful in understanding the composition of interstellar space and
08:27the mechanisms forming our galaxy.
08:30The longevity and success of the Voyager missions are witness to the creativity and dedication
08:34of the scientists, engineers, and technicians who designed, built, and operated the spacecraft.
08:41The Voyagers have persevered in operating despite the extreme conditions and great distances
08:46they have traveled, returning data that has revolutionized our knowledge of the solar
08:50system and beyond.
08:53The missions have also brought attention to how critical robotic exploration is to advancing
08:57our understanding of the cosmos.
09:00NASA has put policies in place to preserve the Voyagers' remaining energy and prolong
09:05their missions as long as feasible as they get closer to the conclusion of their operational
09:09lives.
09:11The spacecraft are anticipated to survive until at least 2030 if they carefully manage
09:15their energy supplies and shut off non-essential systems.
09:19Our knowledge of the interstellar medium and the outermost regions of the solar system
09:24will be considerably enhanced by the data they return during this period.
09:29Beyond their contributions to science, the Voyager missions leave behind a lasting legacy.
09:35Each spaceship is equipped with the recognizable Golden Records, which are audio and visual
09:39records that showcase the variety of life and civilization on Earth.
09:43These documents are a message to any future extraterrestrial civilizations that could
09:47come across the spacecraft.
09:49The Golden Records' presence reflects humanity's interest in and desire to establish connections
09:54with the larger cosmos.
09:57The Voyager spacecraft's breathtaking images confirmed the odd signals picked up from Io.
10:03These photos showed a dynamic terrain characterized by towering volcanic plumes and the discharge
10:08of volcanic debris.
10:09Pele, a well-known volcano on Io, is one of its most spectacular characteristics.
10:16Its eruptions have reached heights 30 times higher than those of Mount Everest, erupting
10:20across an area about the size of France.
10:23More than 33,000 images of Jupiter and its moons were taken by the Voyager spacecraft,
10:29demonstrating the grandeur of the planet and the remarkable diversity of moonscapes in
10:33the Jovian system.
10:35The twin Voyagers have continued to make groundbreaking discoveries ever since they were launched.
10:40The discovery that Jupiter had rings was among the most unexpected.
10:44These rings, however faint, increased the mystery surrounding the gas giant.
10:49In addition, earlier theories concerning these far-off celestial entities were called into
10:54question when Voyager 2 discovered that Europa, one of Jupiter's 53 named moons, had an icy
11:00crust more than 60 miles.
11:02This discovery opened up new directions for planetary science research by enticing scientists
11:08to look at the possibility of ice moons being habitable.
11:12The Voyagers got a vital gravity boost following their mission at Jupiter, which gave them
11:17one last push toward Saturn.
11:20They would never have been able to break free from the gravitational pull of the Sun and
11:24travel farther into space without this essential push.
11:28Voyagers 1 and 2 split up soon after, each traveling to uncharted territory.
11:33Voyager 1's trajectory brought it very near Titan, the moon of Saturn, which is enveloped
11:38in a thick orange atmosphere.
11:41Scientists' curiosity over Titan's mysteries led to more research into its intricate composition.
11:47After that, Voyager 1 moved north, leaving the planet-planet system and starting its
11:51ascent outside of our solar system.
11:54On the other side, Voyager 2 set off on an extraordinary journey that brought it to the
11:59solar system's outermost planets.
12:02It made a landmark flyby of Uranus in 1986, finding 10 moons that were previously undiscovered
12:08and thus expanding the number of known satellites on the planet.
12:13Voyager 2 arrived at Neptune three years later, exposing the amazing features of this far-off
12:18ice giant.
12:20Voyager 2 reported wind speeds of up to 1,000 miles per hour during its approach with Neptune,
12:25the fastest wind yet measured on a solar system planet.
12:29Upon approaching Neptune's methane-laden azure atmosphere at a distance of 2,980 miles, the
12:35spacecraft offered unparalleled perspectives into this distant planet.
12:40It was discovered that Triton, the biggest moon of Neptune, is among the solar system's
12:45coldest locations, with surface temperatures falling as low as minus 391 degrees Fahrenheit.
12:51Triton also displayed unusual geological features, such as ice volcanoes that erupted up to five
12:57kilometers into its thin atmosphere, spitting frozen particles and nitrogen gas.
13:03Our knowledge of the variety and complexity of celestial bodies in our solar system, even
13:08in its furthest reaches, has increased as a result of these findings.
13:12In addition to expanding our understanding of the outer planets and their moons, Voyager
13:171 and Voyager 2 have contributed priceless data during their interstellar travels.
13:22The culmination of the Voyagers' study of the heliosphere, a huge bubble-shaped area
13:27of space where the solar wind is dominant, was the crossing of the heliopause, the point
13:32at which interstellar space begins, and the solar wind's effect diminishes.
13:37Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 became the first artificially created objects to enter interstellar space
13:42when they accomplished this feat in 2012 and 2018, respectively.
13:47This transition advanced our knowledge of the border between our solar system and the
13:51rest of the galaxy, by giving scientists a plethora of information on the characteristics
13:56of magnetic fields and interstellar plasma.
13:59It was discovered that Triton, the biggest moon of Neptune, is among the solar system's
14:04coldest locations, with surface temperatures falling as low as minus 391 degrees Fahrenheit.
14:11Triton also had peculiarities, such as ice volcanoes that shot icy particles and nitrogen
14:17gas five miles into its thin atmosphere.
14:21Our knowledge of the variety and complexity of celestial bodies in our solar system, even
14:25in its most distant areas, has increased as a result of these findings.
14:30Astronomer Carl Sagan was one person who was instrumental in the missions going above and
14:34beyond their original objectives.
14:37As an imaging team member of the Voyager mission, he strongly supported taking one
14:41more round of pictures before the cameras on board both spacecraft were shut down.
14:46A farewell gift to humanity, these pictures would provide a last look at Earth from the
14:51far reaches of space.
14:53Sagan's perseverance was rewarded.
14:56Voyager 1 aimed its camera back toward the inner solar system on Valentine's Day, 1990,
15:02and took a set of 60 pictures.
15:04The most well-known of them, dubbed the Pale Blue Dot, is nonetheless an enduring representation
15:09of our position in the universe.
15:12Captured at a staggering 3.8 billion miles away, this is the farthest photograph of Earth
15:17yet documented.
15:19In the expanse of space, Earth appears as a small, pale blue speck that is hardly noticeable.
15:27A story of incredible sturdiness and longevity, the Voyager mission reads like a comic book
15:32about space-age superheroes.
15:34They have been sending us useful data from the farthest regions of our cosmic neighborhood
15:37for 40 years now.
15:39Let's now discuss their antiquated 8-track cassette technology.
15:43Yes, you read correctly, the Voyager probes still utilize the 8-track records that were
15:49so popular in the 1970s.
15:52The fact that these reliable cassettes have endured over time is evidence of the mission's
15:57creators' brilliance.
15:59You might question, but why 8-track tapes?
16:02The concept of digital storage as we know it now was very new during those early space
16:07exploration days.
16:09They therefore required a dependable and long-lasting data storage solution, and the 8-track tapes
16:14worked well for it.
16:16They resemble the cosmic age's unbreakable workhorses.
16:19Even more astounding is the fact that the information on these cassettes contains priceless
16:23scientific data about the outer planets, moons, and interstellar space, rather than simply
16:29ordinary music.
16:31These cassettes are the key to unlocking some of the universe's greatest mysteries.
16:35When considering durability, keep in mind that the Voyager spacecraft are subjected
16:40to high temperatures, space vacuum, and cosmic radiation.
16:44Still, these elderly adventurers continue to go.
16:48It's similar to sending your grandparents on an arctic hike where they not only make
16:51it through, but flourish.
16:53The experiences that Voyager 2 had with Neptune and Uranus were equally revolutionary.
16:59During the probe's approach to Uranus, it was discovered that the featureless blue-green
17:03planet had many moons, including the fascinatingly active Miranda and a complicated magnetic
17:09field.
17:11Humanity received its first detailed photographs of Neptune in 1989, when Voyager 2 passed
17:16close to the planet, revealing its vibrant atmosphere, deep blue color, and great dark
17:22spot.
17:23In addition, the spacecraft confirmed that there are weak rings surrounding the planet
17:27and found six additional moons.
17:30The Voyager's equipment continued to send back important scientific data as they traveled
17:35farther into space.
17:37Crucial data regarding the heliosphere, the bubble-shaped area of space dominated by the
17:42sun's magnetic field and solar wind, was supplied by the probe.
17:46The Voyagers were able to investigate the interstellar medium, the sparse environment
17:50between the stars, after passing through the heliopause, which marks the edge of the heliosphere.
17:57The unexpected rise in cosmic rays found in interstellar space is one of the most astonishing
18:02recent findings from the Voyager probes.
18:05This discovery has caused scientists to reconsider their theories about the interstellar medium
18:10and the environment beyond our solar system.
18:13The information gathered by the Voyagers on magnetic fields, plasma waves, and cosmic
18:18rays is still very helpful in understanding the composition of interstellar space and
18:23the mechanisms forming our galaxy.
18:26NASA has put policies in place to preserve the Voyagers' remaining energy and prolong
18:30their missions as long as feasible as they get closer to the conclusion of their operational
18:35lives.
18:36The spacecraft are anticipated to survive until at least 2030 if they carefully manage
18:40their energy supplies and shut off non-essential systems.
18:44Our knowledge of the interstellar medium and the outermost regions of the solar system
18:48will be considerably enhanced by the data they return during this period.
18:53The inventiveness and commitment of the scientists, engineers, and technicians who created, constructed,
18:58and managed the spacecraft are demonstrated by the Voyager missions' endurance and success.
19:03The Voyagers have persevered in operating despite the extreme conditions and great distances
19:08they have traveled, returning data that has revolutionized our knowledge of the solar
19:12system and beyond.
19:14The missions have also brought attention to how critical robotic exploration is to advancing
19:18our understanding of the cosmos.
19:21Gravity assist techniques proved to be a crucial component of the Voyager missions' successful
19:25implementation of multiple important concepts, making them legendary interstellar voyages.
19:31Imagine Voyagers 1 and 2 setting out on their audacious mission to investigate the furthest
19:36regions of our solar system.
19:38They required more power than their propulsion systems could give to reach these far-off
19:42locations and collect priceless data.
19:45This is when gravity helped out, kind of like a cosmic dance.
19:50These spacecraft used the powerful gravitational attraction of some of the heavyweight planets
19:54in our solar system to propel themselves forward rather than depending just on their engines.
20:00By using this cunning move, they were able to save valuable fuel and increase their speed,
20:05which helped them reach more stops on their grand tour.
20:09A gravitational slingshot, or gravity assist, is a technique where a portion of a planet's
20:14velocity is transferred to the spaceship as it passes past.
20:18Imagine Voyager 1 traveling toward Jupiter, a gigantic gas giant with a gravitational
20:23pull of its own.
20:25Voyager 1 swung by Jupiter at the proper angle and speed, thanks to meticulous work done
20:29by NASA's most intelligent minds at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
20:34Voyager 1 received the necessary acceleration as a result of Jupiter's gravity pulling on
20:38the spacecraft.
20:40But this move is a kind of art.
20:43Voyager 1 might have experienced a cosmic disaster, of course, if it had approached
20:46Jupiter at an incorrect angle or speed.
20:49The level of precision needed is astounding, but the engineers and scientists responsible
20:54for this cosmic ballet made the right decisions on several occasions.
20:59Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 underwent an amazing solar system journey thanks to these gravity
21:04aids.
21:05For example, Voyager 2 reached Uranus and Neptune with the help of gravity from Jupiter
21:10and Saturn.
21:12These dances of the stars were essential to the grand tour's success.
21:16Without these slingshots, the Voyager missions would not have been the same.
21:20Thanks to the accuracy of this gravity assistance, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 were able to reach
21:25interstellar space.
21:27Gravity assists have a very simple notion, yet they are incredibly difficult to implement.
21:33The grand tour of Voyager 2 demanded extreme precision.
21:37Failing to make any of these slingshots may have resulted in mission failure.
21:40However, the mission team's quest for information was unwavering and unrelenting.
21:45The Deep Space Network, DSN, played a significant role in the Voyager missions' extraordinary
21:50success in addition to their skillful utilization of gravity assistance.
21:54The DSN, which enables interplanetary spacecraft missions, is made up of sizable antennas and
22:00communication facilities spread throughout the world.
22:03The DSN's job was to keep in touch with the spacecraft during the Voyager missions so
22:07that scientists could communicate with one another and exchange data and directives from
22:12billions of miles away.
22:15Voyager 1 and Voyager 2's communication and tracking systems became more and more important
22:20as they traveled further from Earth.
22:22The three locations of DSN, Australia, California, and Spain, ensured a constant connection that
22:28made it possible to gather crucial scientific data.
22:32The Voyager spacecraft was an incredible feat of engineering.
22:35Their sturdy platforms were engineered to reduce visual blur while taking photographs
22:40and data as they zipped across space.
22:43They rotate at a rate more than 15 times slower than the hour hand on a clock.
22:48These spacecraft, which were outfitted with cutting-edge equipment including magnetometers,
22:52cameras, and plasma detectors, made important findings concerning the outer planets and
22:58their moons.
22:59Comparable to the interstellar phone connection that linked us to the brave Voyager probes
23:04as they ventured into the vast unknown is the Deep Space Network, DSN.
23:10But what is the DSN specifically?
23:12Its significance is equal to that of a spacecraft, despite its lack of outward appeal.
23:18Massive radio antennas positioned strategically all across the world, especially in California,
23:23Spain, and Australia, make up the DSN.
23:27With diameters spanning from 26 to an incredible 70 meters, these massive dishes serve as cosmic
23:33megaphones, allowing us to speak with spacecraft that are located far beyond our planet.
23:39The Voyager mission's success depended heavily on the DSN.
23:43Through their cameras, sensors, and other instruments, the Voyager probes served as
23:47our eyes and ears amid the expanse of space, returning invaluable data.
23:52A dependable communications system was necessary to decipher the data they communicated and
23:57deliver fresh instructions, and the DSN was crucial in this regard.
24:02Envision Voyager
24:031. Exploring the furthest regions of the solar system and communicating with Earth by message.
24:10This message is a feeble signal that is moving at the speed of light across space and getting
24:14weaker with time.
24:16It's barely a murmur when it gets to Earth.
24:19But this whisper is picked up by the DSN's huge antennas, which are highly calibrated.
24:24To enable scientists to produce data, they boosted the feeble signal that Voyager was
24:29able to intercept.
24:31The DSN transmits commands in addition to receiving signals.
24:35Scientists and engineers are forced to make last-minute changes to plans, reroute the
24:40spacecraft, or update sensors on dynamic missions like Voyager.
24:45To make sure the spaceship gets the instructions it needs, the DSN beams these commands into
24:50space.
24:51The success of the mission depends on this two-way communication between Earth and the
24:55furthest-off man-made objects in space.
24:59The DSN has incredibly impressive capabilities.
25:02Its worldwide network of antennae makes it possible to communicate with spacecraft in
25:06real time, wherever they may be in the sky.
25:09Highly sensitive receivers installed in the antennas enable the detection of incredibly
25:13faint signals, even ones that have traveled billions of miles.
25:18Deep space missions require this sensitivity, since signal strength decreases dramatically
25:22with distance.
25:24Three primary complexes, one each in Goldstone, California, Madrid, Spain, and Canberra, Australia,
25:31comprise the DSN's infrastructure.
25:34Many substantial antennas, including some of the biggest and most potent 70-meter dishes
25:38in the world, are housed at each complex.
25:42Because of their deliberate placement about 120 degrees apart in longitude, these facilities
25:47guarantee that, as the Earth spins, at least one station is in communication with a spaceship
25:53at all times.
25:55This design allows tracking and simultaneous communication with several spacecraft, as
25:59well as continuous coverage.
26:02Ensuring correct signal timing and synchronization is one of the DSN's primary duties.
26:08Due to the great distances involved, even minute timing mistakes might result in major
26:13differences in the way the data is interpreted.
26:16To ensure accurate timing, the DSN uses sophisticated atomic clocks.
26:21This allows for accurate tracking of spacecraft trajectories and accurate interpretation of
26:25scientific data.
26:27Additionally, the DSN is essential for assisting spacecraft navigation.
26:32The DSN can precisely ascertain the position and velocity of spacecraft by monitoring the
26:37Doppler shift and timing of the signals they receive.
26:41For mission planning, course adjustments, and ensuring that spacecraft arrive at their
26:45intended destinations, this information is essential.
26:49The DSN's continuous operation, which involves it constantly searching for such far-off signals,
26:54is one of its unique features.
26:57It maintains communication with our spacecraft even when they are billions of kilometers
27:01distant, acting as an unwavering eye on the universe.
27:05This ongoing attention to detail makes sure that we stay in communication with our far-flung
27:09explorers, which enables us to collect priceless scientific data.
27:14No matter where a spacecraft is in its orbit or route, there is always a view facility
27:18to maintain contact, thanks to the DSN's global network of antennas.
27:23For deep space missions, when even a brief communication breakdown might result in the
27:27loss of vital information or the inability to send out directives on time, this redundancy
27:32is essential.
27:34This meant that the Voyager missions would always be within reach while Voyager 1 and
27:38Voyager 2 investigated the outer planets and eventually traveled into interstellar space.
27:44Transmitting amazing photos and groundbreaking scientific findings, like the active volcanoes
27:50on Io or the frozen shell of Europa, was made possible by the DSN.
27:55These discoveries might not have been made or known about in the absence of the DSN.
28:00There is more to the DSN than Voyager.
28:02It is compatible with many different types of interplanetary missions, such as those
28:06that go to Mars, the outer planets, and even beyond our solar system.
28:11Its capacity for communication across great distances is evidence of human inventiveness
28:16and the desire to explore uncharted territory.
28:19The DSN's history is likewise one of ongoing innovation.
28:23The DSN's capacity to manage greater volumes of data and sustain more accurate connections
28:28with spacecraft has grown along with technological advancements.
28:32This evolution pushes the bounds of what we can investigate and comprehend, ensuring that
28:37future missions will benefit from even more connectivity.
28:40Essentially, the Deep Space Network is our lifeline to space, not just an array of antennas.
28:47It guarantees that the narratives of the Voyager missions will be written even after the spacecraft
28:51departs from Earth and enters the unexplored region of interstellar space.
28:56We can reach farther into the wide universe thanks to the DSN, which creates a bridge
29:01between our world and the unknown.
29:03An important milestone in the Voyager probe's interstellar mission was negotiating the heliopause.
29:09This border denotes the point at which the vast interstellar space begins, and the influence
29:14of the sun begins to diminish.
29:17The precise location of the heliopause has long been unknown.
29:21First calculations suggested that it was as near as Jupiter.
29:24Nevertheless, more computations improved our comprehension.
29:28The heliopause was estimated by astronomer Bill Gurney to be somewhere between 116 and
29:34177 astronomical units, AU, from the sun in 1993.
29:41An AU is equivalent to approximately 93 million miles, which is the distance between Earth
29:47and the sun.
29:49When Voyager 1 arrived at the heliopause around 20 years later and observed the anticipated
29:53increase in plasma density, Gurney's calculations turned out to be amazingly correct.
29:59However, the heliopause encounter of Voyager 1 brought up interesting questions.
30:05Although the direction of the ambient magnetic field did not significantly change, it did
30:09find an increase in plasma density.
30:13This was surprising since there should have been a discernible shift when moving from
30:17an area where the magnetic field emanated from the sun to one that was affected by other
30:21stars.
30:23To further complicate matters, Voyager 2, which reached the heliopause at the same distance
30:28of 120 AU from Earth, also was unable to see any changes in the magnetic field.
30:34These surprising findings put the theoretical models that predicted the nature of the heliosphere
30:39and its interactions with the interstellar medium to the test.
30:43The Voyager's findings did not support the theory that the heliosphere would change following
30:47the sun's 11-year cycle.
30:49When Voyager 2 reached the heliopause, the solar wind, which fluctuates in intensity
30:54in tandem with the sun's cycle, was at its fiercest.
30:57Consequently, the problem becomes much more difficult because the expected location of
31:02the heliopause should have been farther out than 120 AU.
31:06Still, the data from the Voyagers has yielded priceless insights that have improved theoretical
31:11models.
31:12It is currently thought by scientists that our sun has changed from being a hot, ionized
31:17zone to a partially ionized region of our galaxy.
31:21This transition was probably caused by nearby supernovae, which are old stars that burst
31:25at the end of their lifetimes.
31:27The supernovae heated the surrounding environment and stripped electrons from neighboring atoms.
31:32The border between these areas resembles a seashore with erratic waves and inconsistent
31:37magnetic fields.
31:38The Voyager's observations have shown small-scale alterations near the heliopause, but minimal
31:44variations on wider scales, even though the degree of turbulence can fluctuate.
31:49The planets and moons that the immortal explorers, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, once called home,
31:55are left behind as they continue their lonesome travels through interstellar space.
32:00But what awaits these unstoppable travelers?
32:03This is a cosmic guessing game, but consider these options.
32:06At this point, the probes are traveling in different directions.
32:10Voyager 2 is moving toward the constellation Cetus, while Voyager 1 is speeding toward
32:15the constellation Ophiuchus.
32:18It is plausible that these spacecraft will survive for millions of years, much beyond
32:22the lifespan of our species, even if projections indicate that power limitations will force
32:27them to cease operations by 2030.
32:30They may come across other star systems in the future and bring a message from a long-lost
32:35Earth with them.
32:37Imagine an extraterrestrial race finding the Golden Record, a chronology of human history,
32:42among these antiquated examples of human ingenuity.
32:46Both Voyager spacecraft carried this record, which is made up of sounds and pictures chosen
32:51to highlight the variety of life and culture on Earth.
32:54It includes greetings in 55 languages, music from many times and cultures, noises from
33:00the natural world, and pictures that show the accomplishments and way of life of humanity.
33:05A discovery like this might pique the interest and wonder of extraterrestrial entities by
33:10offering them a glimpse into our reality.
33:13In addition, the ongoing data transfer from interstellar space by the Voyagers deepens
33:19our understanding of the universe.
33:22Scientists can learn more about the environment outside our solar system, thanks to the information
33:26they bring back, even as their power diminishes.
33:30They come into contact with cosmic rays, magnetic fields, and plasma densities that reveal
33:35information about the composition of interstellar space and the mechanisms governing our galaxy.
33:41Thinking back on the amazing voyage of the Voyagers serves as a reminder of the unquenchable
33:46curiosity and tenacity that propels scientific inquiry.
33:50The heliopause, which was formerly a far-off and enigmatic barrier, has been broken, raising
33:55new issues and difficulties.
33:58Future generations of scientists and explorers will be motivated and informed by the data
34:02collected by the Voyagers, which will guarantee that the ongoing search to comprehend our
34:07universe continues.
34:09Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 continue to be symbols of human achievement in the vastness of space,
34:16bringing the dreams of humanity and the legacy of its creators with them as they journey
34:20into the unknown forever.