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Updated: May 3, 2026
11:20
Investigation of Early Plasma Evolution Induced by Ultrashort Laser Pulses
Published on: July 2, 2012
16.9K
In situ observations of interstellar plasma with Voyager 1
D A Gurnett1, W S Kurth, L F Burlaga
1University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. donald-gurnett@uiowa.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 14, 2013
Summary
Voyager 1 has entered interstellar space, evidenced by detecting electron plasma oscillations. This marks a significant milestone in our exploration of the heliopause and beyond.
Area of Science:
- Space Science
- Plasma Physics
- Heliophysics
Background:
- The Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft have been traveling for over 35 years, venturing beyond the Sun's influence.
- The heliopause marks the boundary between the solar plasma and the interstellar medium, characterized by a significant increase in plasma density.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Voyager 1 has crossed the heliopause into interstellar space.
- To analyze plasma wave data for evidence of crossing the heliopause.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the Voyager 1 plasma wave instrument to detect electron plasma oscillations.
- Analyzing the frequency of detected oscillations to calculate local electron density.
Main Results:
- On April 9, 2013, Voyager 1's plasma wave instrument detected electron plasma oscillations at approximately 2.6 kilohertz.
- This frequency corresponds to an electron density of about 0.08 cm(-3), consistent with interstellar medium values.
- These findings strongly suggest Voyager 1 has traversed the heliopause.
Conclusions:
- Voyager 1's observations provide compelling evidence of crossing the heliopause into the interstellar medium.
- This achievement represents a major step in understanding the outer boundaries of our solar system.
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