The Titan-Centaur launched into space containing the first of two Voyager spacecraft with what NASA calls the Golden Record. Sent out into the solar system in 1977, the Golden Record contains a message of peace from the earth, along with something of a summary of the human race which includes images, greetings, nature sounds, and music from our planet.
The Message
First off, the record has an assortment of symbols engraved onto one side. Some of these symbols are directions to Earth while some are instructions on how to play the record. The biggest key to understanding the puzzle is the symbol of two circles connected with a line. These symbolise Hydrogen atoms and provide the basic unit of measurement for the rest of the diagrams on the record.
Then, the record itself holds a compilation of both audio and visual material, put together by the United Nations (UN) at NASA’s request. The data on the record was intended to be a description of our planet and the humans that live on it. The very first thing that plays is the voice of the UN Secretary-General sending a message of peace.
“I send greetings on behalf of the people of our planet. We step out of our solar system into the universe seeking only peace and friendship, to teach if we are called upon, to be taught if we are fortunate.”
The UN Secretary-General
Following this is a wide array of recordings in various languages, such as a message from a little girl saying “Hello from the children of planet earth”. As well as this are sounds from day to day life. Such as a heartbeat, laughter, a baby crying, a blacksmith working metal and a train in motion. Then the listener will also hear sounds from nature, like the wind, rain, fire, crickets chirping, and even whale calls. Many different forms of music are also included. As well as the audio clips, there are 116 images of the world we live in.
Everlasting Record of the Human Race
Unfortunately, the chances that the message on the Voyager Golden Record will be received by something are slim. Not only would the message need to be found intact, but it would also have to be interpreted. Anything that found it, would need to puzzle out the symbols that make up the map. Then also figure out how to play the very human device that is a record.
However, despite the unlikelihood of Earth receiving a reply to our message, it is still an incredible concept. As the Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, Simonetta Di Pippo, states, “the Golden Records may one day be the only remaining evidence of humanity.” Long after humans are gone, they will stand as proof that there was life on earth. Moreover, the Golden Records stand as a summary of our world, capturing the essence of human civilisations and cultures.
This makes a person think. Think about what we are and how we have developed as a race. What is the essence of humanity and are we proud of it? On this note, Di Pippo adds that “The undertaking of the Voyager project reminds us of who we are, where we came from, and that we should treat the earth and each other with care.”