NASA | Top Solar Discoveries: #2

The video explores the universe and solar system, focusing on the Voyager spacecrafts' journey beyond Jupiter and Saturn. As they reach the edge of the solar system, they cross the heliosphere, revealing its unexpected shape. This discovery aids scientists in understanding the sun's interaction with interstellar space. The IBEX mission is introduced as a tool to further study solar wind interactions with interstellar gas.

What was the primary goal of the Voyager spacecrafts when they were launched over 30 years ago?

• To explore the inner planets

• To study the sun's core

• To reach Jupiter, Saturn, and beyond

• To map the Earth's atmosphere

What significant discovery did Voyager 2 make when it crossed the heliosphere?

• The heliosphere is squashed

• The heliosphere is expanding

• The heliosphere is perfectly round

• The heliosphere is shrinking

How far are the Voyager spacecrafts from Earth as they explore the outer reaches?

• 5 billion miles

• 7 billion miles

• 9 billion miles

• 11 billion miles

What is the purpose of the IBEX mission?

• To study the sun's surface

• To map the Milky Way

• To explore the planets

• To investigate the interaction between solar wind and interstellar gas

What does the squashed shape of the heliosphere suggest about the sun's interaction with space?

• The sun's influence is uniform

• The sun has no effect on space

• The sun's influence is decreasing

• The sun interacts differently with space than previously thought