Astronomers use telescopes, satellites, space probes, and spectroscopes to make observations and collect data about objects inside the solar system and outside the solar system. These tools and the associated technology that allow astronomers to analyze and interpret the data help scientists learn about the Solar system and about the Universe.
Space Probes
Space probes contain instruments to collect data and travel out of Earth’s orbit to explore places that would be too dangerous for astronomers; the instruments that a probe contains depends upon the space mission.
The Voyager I and II Space Probes
The twin Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft are exploring where nothing from Earth has flown before. Continuing on their over-40-year journey since their 1977 launches, they each are much farther away from Earth and the Sun than Pluto. In August 2012, Voyager 1 made the historic entry into interstellar space, the region between stars, filled with material ejected by the death of nearby stars millions of years ago.
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Scientists hope to learn more about this region from Voyager 2's November 2018 exit from the heliosphere into interstellar space. Both spacecraft are still sending scientific information.
The primary mission was the exploration of Jupiter and Saturn. After making a string of discoveries such as active volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io and details about Saturn's rings the mission was extended. Voyager 2 went on to explore Uranus and Neptune, and is still the only spacecraft to have visited those outer planets and is continuing to explore the outermost edge of the Sun's influence. And beyond!?
The Mars Perseverance Space Probe
The Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover will search for signs of ancient microbial life, which will advance NASA's quest to explore the past habitability of Mars. The rover has a drill to collect core samples of Mars rock and soil, then store them in sealed tubes for pickup by a future mission that would bring them back to Earth for detailed analysis. Perseverance will also test technologies to help pave the way for future human exploration of Mars.
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Space probes contain instruments to collect data and travel out of Earth’s orbit to explore places that would be too dangerous for astronomers; the instruments that a probe contains depends upon the space mission.