Voyager 1 and 2 for Middle School Science

In 1977, NASA launched two special spacecraft called Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. Their mission was to explore the outer planets of our solar system and send back data to Earth. These twin spacecraft were built to travel farther than any spacecraft before—and they did! Even though they were launched over 45 years ago, they are still sending back information today.

The Grand Tour

Voyager 2 was launched first on August 20, 1977, followed by Voyager 1 on September 5, 1977. The two spacecraft were sent on a special path known as the "Grand Tour." This rare alignment of the outer planets only happens once every 176 years. It allowed both Voyagers to visit Jupiter and Saturn, and Voyager 2 also flew by Uranus and Neptune—the only spacecraft to do so. Along the way, the Voyagers discovered new moons, saw huge storms, and sent back stunning pictures of the planets and their rings.

Leaving the Solar System

After finishing their main missions, both spacecraft kept going. In 2012, Voyager 1 became the first human-made object to enter interstellar space, the area between stars. Voyager 2 followed in 2018. Even though their power is fading, they still send signals back to Earth, helping scientists learn about the edge of our solar system and what lies beyond.

The Golden Record

Both Voyagers carry something very special: the Golden Record. This is a gold-plated disc that holds sounds and images from Earth, including greetings in 55 languages, music from around the world, and pictures of nature and human life. It was designed by a team led by astronomer Carl Sagan. If any intelligent life ever finds one of the Voyagers, the Golden Record is a message from Earth.

Why Voyager 1 and 2 Matter

The Voyager missions helped us understand the outer planets in ways that were never possible before. They showed us volcanoes on Jupiter’s moon Io, mysterious storms on Saturn, and icy rings around Uranus. Even now, long after their main mission ended, they are still making history by exploring the space outside of our solar system.

Middle School Science

Voyager 1 and 2 Reading Passage

You can get a printable reading passage with comprehension questions at Teachers Pay Teachers.