Science14.11.2015

How Earth would be explained to aliens, in pictures

Golden Record

Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 launched into space in 1977, with the aim of exploring the boundaries of our solar system.

They were never due to return home once their mission was complete, and they remain on a path to the unexplored expanse of space.

According to a report by Vox, they will orbit the Milky Way for the foreseeable future – carrying a message from NASA should they encounter alien life.

The space agency employed the services of astronomer Carl Sagan to compose Earth’s message, which was called the Golden Record.

It is a collection of sounds and images, which will serve as an explanation as to how humans live on the planet.

“The records are mounted on the outside of Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 and protected by an aluminum case. Etched on the cover of that case are symbols explaining how to decode the record,” said Vox.

Below are some of the images carried on the Golden Record.

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

NASA - Golden Record

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