| 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 4/2025, their distances from the Sun are roughly 167 and 140 AU (on the order of 1/400 light-year after about 47 years' travel). The spacecraft have sensors still operating and they still transmit data, but through the 2020s operators have been shutting down instruments in stages as each spacecraft's available power decreases, aiming to maximize the data the spacecraft provide before communication is lost. Instruments: