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| the faint edge of the Drywall Galaxy Heliosphere on the border of the Interstellar Medium |
On September 5, 1977 (3 months before my birth), NASA launched Voyager 1. It's mission was to study the outer limits of our solar system and to break through the Heliosphere into the Interstellar Medium. A quick breakdown... The Heliosphere is the bubble that our solar system safely exists inside of. It protects our planets from cosmic rays n' such. It functions similarly to the way our atmosphere protects earth. The Interstellar Medium is the space in the Milky Way that lies between other star systems & nebulae within the Milky Way. It is unclear what trajectory or path Voyager 1 will take once it's within the Interstellar Medium.
As of March 20, 2012, Voyager 1 reached the edge of the Heliosphere. Whether it is currently in the Interstellar Medium or within some previously unknown portion of the solar system is still being debated.
Kudos (or "big ups" as the kids say) to NASA for launching something nearly 36 years ago (now at a distance of 11.5 trillion miles) and having it still remain operational. Scientist are still sending Voyager 1 commands and collecting data. Sadly, it is nearing the final stages of it's life. Several instruments have already broken down and it is expected to fully cease function by 2025. From there it will continue to travel until collision or confiscation, the latter of which is, by far, the most desirable and exciting outcome.
As of March 20, 2012, Voyager 1 reached the edge of the Heliosphere. Whether it is currently in the Interstellar Medium or within some previously unknown portion of the solar system is still being debated.
Kudos (or "big ups" as the kids say) to NASA for launching something nearly 36 years ago (now at a distance of 11.5 trillion miles) and having it still remain operational. Scientist are still sending Voyager 1 commands and collecting data. Sadly, it is nearing the final stages of it's life. Several instruments have already broken down and it is expected to fully cease function by 2025. From there it will continue to travel until collision or confiscation, the latter of which is, by far, the most desirable and exciting outcome.
THE GOLDEN DISC: On board Voyager 1 is a gold-plated disc which loosely represents humanities portfolio. Photos of humans and other life forms, a greeting from the president (Jimmy Carter), a melody of sounds from babies crying (why would anyone enjoy this sound?), whales singing, waves breaking, and music. Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" is one of the songs included on the disc. No doubt to show whatever life form that happens upon this disc, that we are a friendly, energetic, hip gyrating race.
If the disc is discovered and deciphered by a life form that possess the ability to travel through space (I assume there are directions to earth on this disc), they will undoubtedly hightail it to earth and then down to Louisiana close to New Orleans, way back up in the woods among the evergreens. Searching for a cabin made of earth and wood, and the country boy we called Johnny B. Goode. Even though he never learned to read or write so well, the look forward to hearing him play his guitar like he was ringing a bell.
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