Voyager 2 Detects Odd Shape of Solar System's Edge

In summary, the termination shock is an event in the boundary of the heliosphere that is expected to occur within the next year and will not stop Voyager 2 from communicating with Earth. Plasma and other charged particles are flowing towards the sun from the southern end of the solar system, creating the asymmetry in the termination shock boundary.
  • #1
scott1
350
1
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/060523_heliosphere_shape.html
Voyager 2 could pass beyond the outermost layer of our solar system, called the "termination shock," sometime within the next year, NASA scientists announced at a media teleconference today.
So if it does get will we still have contact with it
 
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  • #2
In theory, yes. Both spacecraft are capable of generating electricity till something like 2020 as I recall. The act of passing though the termination shock should theoretically not stop it from communicating it's data back to earth. Only charged particles tend to be influenced by this termination shock phenomenon, whereas radio waves and neutral particles would cruise right through it.
 
  • #3
I was curious about what might cause this odd shape in the boundary of the heliosphere. One explanation that I have seen, but don't thoroughly understand, was that perhaps there is a weak magnetic field pressing inward on the southern hemisphere. I don't know if there is evidence that points to a magnetic field, or if that is just speculation.

Is it too simplistic to wonder if that asymmetry is just kind of a Doppler-like phenomenon indicating where our solar system is moving through the galaxy and how fast? Or is that bit already fairly well understood?
 
  • #4
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/05/23/voyager.2/index.html

I would say that we are witnessing the effect of plasma and other charged particles that are generally flowing toward the sun from the southern end of the solar system. The Earth's magnetic shield is shaped a bit like a teardrop with the tail facing away from the sun since most of the charged particles are flowing from the sun. In this case, most likely what we observe is the result of charged particles from the universe that are flowing toward our solar system from the southern regions.

http://www.phy6.org/Education/wtermin.html
 

1. What is Voyager 2 and why is it significant?

Voyager 2 is a space probe launched by NASA in 1977 to explore the outer planets of our solar system. It is significant because it has provided us with valuable information and images of these planets, their moons, and other celestial bodies.

2. What is the "odd shape" that Voyager 2 detected at the edge of the solar system?

The odd shape at the edge of the solar system is known as the heliosphere, which is the bubble created by the solar wind pushing against the interstellar medium. Voyager 2's data showed that the heliosphere is not perfectly round, but rather has a "flattened" shape, possibly due to the influence of the interstellar magnetic field.

3. Why is the shape of the heliosphere important?

The shape of the heliosphere can give us insight into the dynamics of our solar system and how it interacts with the surrounding interstellar space. It can also help us understand the effects of solar wind and other solar activity on the Earth and other planets.

4. How did Voyager 2 detect this odd shape?

Voyager 2 carries instruments that measure the density, temperature, and speed of particles in the solar wind. By analyzing this data, scientists were able to determine the shape of the heliosphere and the variations in its structure.

5. What other discoveries has Voyager 2 made?

Voyager 2 has made many significant discoveries, including the first detailed views of the outer planets and their moons, evidence of active volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io, and the discovery of new moons around Uranus and Neptune. It has also provided valuable data on the magnetic fields, radiation, and composition of these planets and their moons.

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