Necia H. Apfel

Voyager to the Planets

Description: "Astronomers began planning the Voyager mission to the outer planets of our solar system years before the Voyager spacecraft were launched in 1977. Engineers and scientists created spacecraft and instruments strong enough to survive the rigors of space travel, and controlled Voyager's flight through computer programming and radio transmissions. The mission was extended to a 'Grand Tour' that began with Jupiter and Saturn and continued with Voyager 2's exploration of Uranus and Neptune.

"Flying closer to these planets than had ever been done before, Voyager confirmed scientists' observations about the features of these worlds, and recorded new data on weather conditions, surface texture and composition, and atmosphere. Thousands of photographs vividly depict the rings encircling all four planets, and the violent storms raging on Jupiter and Neptune. Voyager discovered ten new Uranian moons and six new moons orbiting Neptune, and gathered detailed information on the mountains, craters, and ice formations of the satellites.

"Here is the dramatic story of the Voyager mission, which continues today as the spacecraft probes the outer boundaries of the sun's energy influence. Scientists expect to receive Voyager's data and photographs until well into the next century, as Voyager's amazing journey continues."

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