Science Illustrated

NASA Sends New Message to Aliens

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“We offer friendship across the stars. You are not alone.” This is the announceme­nt, which is to be added to the messages printed on golden records and launched into space aboard the Voyager 1 40 years ago.

NASA sends the signal with radio waves, which travel at the speed of light. During its 40 years in space, Voyager 1 has travelled 20+ billion km or almost 140 astronomic­al units (1 AU is the distance between Earth and the Sun). Consequent­ly, it takes 19 hours and 22 minutes for the message to travel from Earth to Voyager 1.

The new signal was found by open vote, as NASA asked social media users which message they would like to be sent into space. Voyager 1’s mission is to inform intelligen­t alien life, should such exist, about Earth and the existence of the human race.

 ??  ?? Voyager 1 brings eight gold-plated records with data about Earth and humans.
Voyager 1 brings eight gold-plated records with data about Earth and humans.

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