What Did Voyager 2 See During its Journey Out Of The Solar System? 1977-2019

Voyager 2, launched by NASA in 1977, was the first of two twin spacecraft designed to explore the outer planets of our solar system. These spacecrafts used a technique known as gravity assist, which allowed them to travel from one planet to the next by harnessing the gravitational pull of each planet. This extraordinary journey was possible due to a rare planetary alignment that only occurs once every 175 years.

While Voyager 1 was launched 16 days after its twin and took a faster path that completed its flybys of Jupiter and Saturn in 1980, Voyager 2 embarked on a slightly different trajectory. This path allowed it to not only pass Jupiter and Saturn but also continue on to Uranus and Neptune—becoming the only spacecraft to ever visit these distant gas giants.

Jupiter Flyby (1979)
Voyager 2 arrived at Jupiter in July 1979, four months after Voyager 1. As it approached the massive gas giant, the spacecraft’s camera captured stunning images of Jupiter’s swirling cloud formations. One of the most notable images showed the Great Red Spot, the solar system’s largest storm, which was nearly twice its current size at the time. Voyager 2 also photographed the moon Europa, revealing cracks in its icy surface, which hinted at the possibility of a subsurface ocean—a discovery that could have profound implications for life beyond Earth.

Saturn Flyby (1981)
In August 1981, Voyager 2 reached Saturn, revealing stunning images of the planet’s iconic rings and moons. The spacecraft captured detailed images of Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, showcasing its heavily cratered surface alongside smoother plains. Voyager 2’s visit to Saturn provided essential data on the planet’s moons and ring systems, contributing significantly to our understanding of the ringed world.

Uranus Encounter (1986)
Nearly four and a half years after Saturn, Voyager 2 made its closest approach to Uranus in January 1986. The spacecraft’s images revealed the planet’s blue color, caused by methane in its atmosphere, and its extreme tilt—98 degrees, meaning the planet essentially spins on its side. Voyager 2 also discovered rings around Uranus and provided the first close-up images of its moons, including Miranda. The strange terrain of Miranda, featuring large canyons and jumbled surfaces, suggested the moon may have undergone a catastrophic event in its past.

Neptune Flyby (1989)
In August 1989, Voyager 2 reached its final destination in its grand tour of the outer planets—Neptune. The spacecraft captured breathtaking images of the ice giant, including its bright blue hue and high-altitude clouds casting shadows on the lower cloud layers. Voyager 2 also photographed Neptune’s largest moon, Triton, revealing its icy surface and strange terrain. The spacecraft’s flyby of Neptune marked the end of its planetary exploration, but its journey into the unknown was far from over.

Beyond the Solar System
After its historic flybys, Voyager 2 continued its journey out of the solar system. In 2004, the spacecraft crossed the termination shock, entering a turbulent region known as the heliosheath, where solar wind slows down and merges with interstellar wind. Then, in 2018, Voyager 2 became the second human-made object to enter interstellar space, following its twin, Voyager 1.

Although Voyager 2’s primary mission has ended, it continues to operate and transmit valuable data. The spacecraft is expected to remain operational until 2025, after which it will gradually shut down, eventually losing contact with Earth. Despite this, Voyager 2’s journey will continue for millions of years. In 40,000 years, it will pass within 1.7 light-years of a distant star in the Andromeda constellation, serving as a testament to humanity’s spirit of exploration.

The Voyager missions have forever changed our understanding of the solar system and beyond. As they continue their voyage through the cosmos, they carry with them a message from Earth—an enduring symbol of human curiosity and our desire to explore the unknown.