The probes Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, launched by Nasa in 1977, are experiencing an annual orbital phenomenon that temporarily reduces their distance from Terra. Apesar from continuing to move away from the Sistema Solar at constant speeds of around 17 km/s for the Voyager 1 and 16 km/s for the Voyager 2, the orbit of the year. Esse relative movement causes a decrease in the distance measured between February and June, before the separation resumes its normal course.
The two probes have already surpassed the heliosphere and entered interstellar space, with Voyager 1 crossing this border in 2012 and Voyager 2 in 2018. Nasa maintains contact with the probes through Rede of Espaço Profundo, although the signals take increasingly longer to travel back and forth due to the increasing distance.
Annual fluctuations in distance
Celestial mechanics explains the apparent paradox of probes temporarily approaching Terra. The Terra orbits the Sol in an ellipse, which changes the relative position in relation to the trajectories of the Voyager.
This effect has occurred every year since the launch of the probes. Distances vary in a wavy curve over time, with annual minimums observed between late spring and early summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Recent data from Voyager 2
On February 9, 2026, Voyager 2 was 143.09 astronomical units (AU) from Terra. One astronomical unit corresponds to the average distance between Terra and Sol.
By early June 2026, this distance has decreased to about 143.4 AU. Após this minimum period, the separation begins to increase again as Terra continues in its orbit.
Comparison with Voyager 1
Voyager 1 presents similar dynamics, although at greater distances. In February 2026, the probe was positioned approximately 172 AU from Terra, equivalent to approximately 25.7 billion kilometers.
The speed of separation of Voyager 1 in relation to Sol is slightly higher than that of Voyager 2.
Long-term outlook
The probes maintain partial operation, with scientific instruments gradually turned off to preserve energy from radioisotope thermoelectric generators. Communication remains possible, but with increasing signal delays.
Voyager 1 is approaching an important milestone scheduled for November 2026, when it will reach a distance equivalent to one light day from Terra, around 25.9 billion kilometers. Nesse point, a radio signal will take 24 hours to reach the probe.
- The Voyager continue to transmit data about cosmic particles and interstellar magnetic fields.
- Available energy should sustain basic operations for a few more years.
- After 2030, the mission may phase out as power decreases.
Continuity of interstellar exploration
The trajectories of the Voyager were defined by gravitational assists on giant planets. Voyager 1 heads towards the constellation Ofiúco, while Voyager 2 heads towards Pégaso.
Nenhuma alteração de curso ocorreu desde as décadas de 1980. As sondas carregam discos de ouro com sons e imagens da Terra para eventuais civilizações extraterrestres.
The annual occurrence of relative approach highlights how Terra’s orbital motion influences distance measurements in deep space. The Esse phenomenon does not change the final destination of the probes, which continue to move indefinitely away from the Sistema Solar.
