Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 Still Kicking

Scientists have some idea of the magnetic and electro magnetic boundaries of our solar system, but want to learn more. They have some idea of what that structure is, but they need to know how far out the boundaries are and how closely we are approaching those boundaries with Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. Astrophysicists are essentially feeling around in the dark to see where these boundaries are. Right now Voyager 1 is 11 Billion miles out. To give some perspective on how far that really is Earth is only 90 Million miles away from the Sun and the most distant planet is 3.6 Billion miles out. Given that great distance, Voyager 1 is still amazingly in our solar system and we are getting info back at a 16 hour delay. Launched in 1977, they will continue on their path as long as their path is not interrupted. Also, China is advancing their space goals. The Chinese space station has been flying over Philadelphia at least 5 times a day. This is China’s first solid step at the creation of an operating space station. And don’t miss what’s in the night sky this week. All this and more on this week’s Sky Talk.[audio: st20120625.mp3]