Go to the website for the Voyager 1 and 2 missions (http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov), which collected data on all four of the giant planets more than two decades ago. a. Where are the spacecraft now? Click on "Images \& Video." These are still the only close-up images of Uranus and Neptune. What was learned about these planets? b. Click on "The Golden Record" and on the right, look at scenes, greetings, music, and sounds from Earth. Suppose you were asked to make a new version of the Golden Record, a playlist to send on an upcoming space mission. What would you include in one or more of those categories?

Voyager 1 is one of the most remarkable spacecraft ever launched. It was sent into space by NASA on September 5, 1977. Initially, its mission was to study the outer planets—Jupiter and Saturn. After achieving invaluable discoveries from these planets, the mission was extended. Voyager 1 is currently the furthest human-made object from Earth. It has entered interstellar space, which is the region between stars in our galaxy. This means it is outside the influence of our Sun's magnetic field.

Voyager 1 continues to send data back to Earth, providing us with insights about cosmic rays and the interstellar medium. Understanding its journey helps scientists learn about the edge of our solar system and beyond. The data provided by Voyager 1 has significantly enriched our understanding of space and the universe.

Voyager 2 was launched by NASA on August 20, 1977, just a few weeks before Voyager 1. Unlike its twin, Voyager 2's trajectory included a grand tour of all four of the giant planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. This unique path enabled it to become the only spacecraft to have visited Uranus and Neptune. Currently, Voyager 2 is also on a journey towards interstellar space.

The data collected by Voyager 2 has provided unprecedented insights into the characteristics of the outer planets. For example, it discovered ten new moons around Uranus and five new rings. At Neptune, it found active geysers on the moon Triton. These findings have greatly expanded our knowledge of the solar system.

The Voyager missions provided the first and only close-up images of Uranus and Neptune, offering a wealth of information about these distant planets. Before Voyager 2’s flybys in 1986 and 1989, very little was known about Uranus and Neptune.

From Voyager 2's data, scientists learned that Uranus has a unique tilt, causing extreme seasons, and possesses faint rings along with 27 known moons. The spacecraft also observed massive storms and winds on Neptune, which has the fastest winds in the solar system, reaching speeds of up to 1,300 miles per hour. Additionally, Neptune's moon Triton was discovered to be geologically active, showcasing geysers spouting nitrogen gas.

These discoveries have proven critical for understanding the nature and dynamics of ice giant planets.

The Golden Record is one of the most fascinating aspects of the Voyager missions. It is a 12-inch gold-plated copper disc containing various sounds and images designed to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth. This record was created with the idea that it could potentially communicate the story of our world to extraterrestrials.

Included in the Golden Record are:

• Greetings in 55 different languages
• A variety of music from different cultures and eras
• Sounds from Earth, including natural sounds (like thunder and birdsong) and human-made sounds (such as a train and a kiss)
• 116 images depicting human life, the environment, and technological achievements

If tasked with creating a new version of this record, you might consider adding more recent developments in technology and culture, as well as including a broader range of international perspectives.

Space exploration is the ongoing discovery and exploration of celestial structures in outer space by means of continuously evolving space technology. The Voyager missions are prime examples of the broader goals of space exploration. These missions have laid the groundwork for understanding our solar system and provided a roadmap for future explorations.

Space exploration offers numerous benefits, including:

• Scientific discoveries about outer space and the origins of the universe
• Technological advancements that can benefit life on Earth
• Inspiration and education, fostering a culture of innovation and curiosity

Moreover, studying other planets and celestial bodies can potentially pave the way for future human colonization beyond Earth.

In summary, the Voyager missions are not just about the data collected but also about the legacy of human curiosity and the quest for knowledge.