The Voyager Golden Record: A Message to Extraterrestrials
A Time Capsule from Earth
In 1977, NASA launched the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 space probes, each carrying a "golden record" containing a message intended for extraterrestrials. This time capsule includes images, sounds, and greetings from Earth, providing a glimpse of our world to those who may find it.
Content of the Golden Record
The Voyager Golden Record is a compact disc containing 116 images and a variety of sounds, including: * Greetings in 55 languages * Natural sounds like wind, rain, and animal noises * Excerpts from classical and contemporary music * Messages from notable figures like Jimmy Carter and Carl Sagan * A digital encoding of the Declaration of Independence
Journey to the Stars
Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 continue to travel through the solar system and beyond. As of March 2012, Voyager 1 was over 179 billion km from the Sun and moving at a speed of approximately 61000 kmh (38000 mph). Voyager 2 was over 147 billion km away.
Importance of the Message
The Voyager Golden Record is a testament to humanity's desire to communicate with other life in the universe. It is a peaceful and optimistic message that conveys the diversity, beauty, and resilience of Earth. As the probes continue their journey, they carry this message into the unknown, representing our hopes for the future of humanity and the possibility of extraterrestrial contact.
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