Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer and Radio Astronomy
Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 and 2 Explore the Solar System
Voyager 1 Reaches Interstellar Space
The Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS) and Radio Astronomy (RA) were launched in 1977 as part of the Voyager 1 and 2 missions. These missions were designed to explore the outer solar system, including the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Voyager 1 was the first spacecraft to cross into interstellar space, on August 2012.
The IRIS instrument is a spectrometer that measures the infrared radiation emitted by celestial objects. This information can be used to determine the temperature, composition, and structure of these objects. The RA instrument is a radio telescope that measures the radio waves emitted by celestial objects. This information can be used to determine the magnetic field strength, the presence of charged particles, and the rotation rate of these objects.
Voyager 1 and 2 have made a number of important discoveries during their missions. These discoveries include the discovery of the rings around Saturn, the volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io, and the Great Dark Spot on Neptune. Voyager 1 has also been exploring the heliosphere, the region of space around the sun that is filled with charged particles from the sun. Voyager 1 is now the most distant human-made object from Earth.
The Voyager 1 and 2 missions have provided us with a wealth of information about the outer solar system. These missions have also helped us to understand the nature of the heliosphere and the interstellar medium. The Voyager 1 and 2 missions are a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of human beings.
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