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3 clusters · 18 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

Voyager 1 approaching one light-day distance

Overview

NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft is projected to reach a milestone distance of one light-day from Earth on November 18, 2026. This distance, approximately 25.9 billion kilometers, will result in a 48-hour round-trip communication window, as any command sent to the spacecraft will take one full day to arrive and another day for a response to return.

Due to this unprecedented distance, which is roughly 173 times the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, NASA plans to transition from measuring the probe in kilometers to using light-travel time as a more intuitive scale. While approaching this milestone from Earth, the probe remains closer to the Sun than to our planet due to Earth’s orbital position; it is estimated to take an additional two months to reach a distance of one light-day from the Sun.

Launched in 1977, the probe entered interstellar space in 2012. It continues to transmit scientific data regarding the interstellar medium, magnetic fields, and plasma. Previous observations include volcanic activity on Io, the subsurface ocean on Europa, and the characteristics of Saturn's moons.

To commemorate the achievement, an exhibition in Madrid featuring a full-scale replica of Voyager 1—constructed over five years using recycled materials—is scheduled to run from November 3 to November 18, concluding with the ‘A un día luz’ science and music festival.

Entities

NASA · Voyager 1 · Earth · Voyager 1 · Sun

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 8 sources
    Voyager 1 reaches one light-day distance from Earth

    Voyager 1 will be one light-day from Earth on November 18, prompting NASA to shift its measurement scale. Madrid is hosting a full-scale replica exhibition to mark the milestone.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 6 sources
    NASA Voyager 1 to reach one light-day from Earth in November

    NASA's Voyager 1 will become the first human-made object to reach a distance of one light-day from Earth on November 18.

  3. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Voyager 1 to reach one light-day distance from Earth in November 2026

    NASA's Voyager 1 is expected to reach a distance of one light-day from Earth on November 18, 2026, marking a major milestone for the historic interstellar mission.

Sources

brasilemfolhas.com.br · canaltech.com.br · denik.cz · digitaltvinfo.gr · gacetinmadrid.com · issues.fr · lacerca.com · merca2.es · merca20.com · meteored.cl · noticiasparamunicipios.com · sciencepresse.qc.ca · spacemoney.com.br · tech.everyeye.it · techmaniacs.gr · tecnoandroid.it · ultimosegundo.ig.com.br · vidademadrid.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history