West
NASA re-establishes communication with Voyager 1 interstellar spacecraft that went silent for months
NASA and Voyager 1 are communicating back and forth again, after the most distant human-made object in space stopped sending usable data back to the space agency nearly five months ago.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory said Voyager 1, which is more than 15 billion miles away from Earth, stopped sending readable data back to scientists on Nov. 14, 2023, though mission controllers could still see the spacecraft was receiving commands and operating as intended.
The Southern California-based engineering team responsible for Voyager 1 investigated the problem and learned the issue was connected to one of the spacecraft’s three onboard computers, which is called the Flight Data Subsystem (FDS).
The FDS packages the data collected by the spacecraft before sending it back to earth.
RARE STAR EXPLOSION EXPECTED TO BE ‘ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME VIEWING OPPORTUNITY,’ NASA OFFICIALS SAY
NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft is depicted in this artist’s concept of traveling through interstellar space, or the space between stars, which it entered in 2012. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
Engineers discovered the chip responsible for storing a portion of the FDS memory was faulty, making the code unusable.
Had the spacecraft been located on Earth, engineers would be able to go in and replace a chip, but because it is in interstellar space, engineers needed to figure out a way to move the affected code somewhere else in the FDS memory.
The code is so large that there is not a single location to store the entire section of the code. So, engineers divided the affected code into sections and planned to move them to various locations in the FDS.
NASA PUBLISHES NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN PHOTOS OF ‘RAVIOLI’ MOON ORBITING SATURN
After receiving data about the health and status of Voyager 1 for the first time in five months, members of the Voyager flight team celebrated in a conference room at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on April 20. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech )
Engineers also had to make sure the code worked together as a whole after being moved.
Once the code was reconfigured, engineers transmitted the changes to the FDS memory on April 18.
The signal takes about 22.5 hours to travel through space until it reaches Voyager 1, and then another 22.5 hours for a signal to come back to earth.
VOYAGER 1 DETECTS ‘HUM’ WHILE IN INTERSTELLAR SPACE: REPORT
NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft, shown in this illustration, has been exploring our solar system since 1977, along with its twin, Voyager 2. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
On April 20, the mission team received a response from Voyager 1 and confirmed the modification worked. As a result, engineers now have the ability to check the health and status of the spacecraft.
In the coming months, the team plans to move and adjust additional portions of the FDS software that was affected, including portions that send scientific data back to mission control.
Voyager 1′s odyssey began in 1977 when the spacecraft and its twin, Voyager 2, were launched on a tour of the gas giant planets of the solar system.
After beaming back dazzling postcard views of Jupiter’s giant red spot and Saturn’s shimmering rings, Voyager 2 hopscotched to Uranus and Neptune. Meanwhile, Voyager 1 used Saturn as a gravitational slingshot to power itself past Pluto.
Read the full article from Here
A controversial AT&T cell tower is coming to the San Francisco Diamond Heights neighborhood, despite community pushback.
Daniel Shereck, a resident and member of the Diamond Heights Community Association, helped lead the charge against its construction.
“Their proposal says they’ve got a large brown tower just about 10 stories tall,” Shereck said.
AT&T will install a 104-foot macro cell tower in the heart of the neighborhood, next to the San Francisco police academy, a local playground and nearby homes.
“It’s going to be enormous,” Shereck said.
The city approved the tower, despite opposition from Shereck and members of the Diamond Heights Community Association, who told CBS News Bay Area the tower is an unnecessary eyesore that poses wildfire and pollution risks.
“We’re really just asking AT&T to follow the alternatives that they have done elsewhere,” Shereck said.
But in a tense hearing before the Board of Supervisors, Cami Blackstone, director of external affairs for AT&T, argued there’s a significant need for the tower. She also says there is no evidence of wildfire or health risks, despite residents’ claims.
“I was very dispirited. I’m really concerned about the future of San Francisco,” Shereck said.
Shereck says the neighborhood will try to find some middle ground.
“Given what we can suggest at this point would probably be considering the color of the tower, covering up exposed wires, trying to make the antenna somewhat less obvious in the community,” Shereck said.
Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in LIBRA.
Happy Birthday for Wednesday, April 29, 2026:
You’re confident and determined in your approach to work. You’re reliable, optimistic, incisive and independent. This is a year of learning and teaching. Take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. Explore meditation, prayer or introspection. Study philosophies that give you a better self-awareness of your own potential.
ARIES
(March 21-April 19)
★★★
Today there’s a tendency to jump to conclusions – definitely something to be aware of. In particular, you might experience this when talking with family members, spouses or partners. Take a breath and create some space in the conversation. Go gently. Tonight: Genuinely listen.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20)
★★★★
Be patient with co-workers today. Likewise, resist the tendency to think something is better than it is. Nevertheless, this is a productive day for you and you can get a lot done, especially privately or working alone behind the scenes. Get busy. Tonight: Get organized.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20)
★★★
Parents must be patient with their kids today. Likewise, romantic partners must be patient with each other. If you’re involved in social outings and fun escapades (including sports) be careful of excess or going overboard. You might be too quick to jump the gun. Tonight: Socialize!
CANCER
(June 21-July 22)
★★★★
Keep the peace at home today even though dealings with parents and older family members might become challenging. In part, this might be because you’re ambitious and keen to get a lot done. In fact, you want things done your way and won’t hesitate to say so. Tonight: Relax.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22)
★★★
On the whole, this is a friendly, upbeat day. Nevertheless, you might get involved in an argument about politics, religion or racial issues. Steer clear of controversy, for your own peace of mind. Instead, enjoy relations with friends and groups. They will be friendly and supportive. Tonight: Learn and discuss.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
★★★★
Steer clear of disputes about money and possessions today, because this is basically a pleasant, friendly day. Others might ask for your advice about how to make something look better or be more attractive. Discussions about further education and travel will intrigue you. Tonight: Check your possessions.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
★★★
The Moon is in your sign today at odds with Jupiter and Mars, which can make you jump too quickly in the wrong direction or make an assumption that is off the mark. Be aware of this and refrain from doing so, if you can. Do something different today. This will please you. Tonight: You’re in charge.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
★★★
You’re very keen to work hard now and accomplish as much as possible. Unfortunately, you need more sleep. Be aware of this and do your best to balance your desire to work with your need for rest. Romance is passionate now. It’s also a favorable time to get favors and money from others. Ka-ching! Tonight: Privacy.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
★★★
Friendships are important to you today. However, be careful, because today the Moon is challenged by your own ruler Jupiter, which is why you might be tempted to promise more than you can deliver, especially to a friend, group or organization. Be sensible. Tonight: Friends.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
★★★
People notice you today. Be aware of this, especially because some people will know personal details about your private life. Perhaps this is because a public argument might take place. Also be aware that it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew. Don’t volunteer for anything. Tonight: Show respect.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
★★★★
Today is full of excitement and high energy. You want to do something different! You want to kick things up a notch. Travel, learning, new places and new faces will satisfy your search for adventure. Steer clear of controversy to avoid arguments. Tonight: Explore and learn.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20)
★★★★
It’s fortunate that you’re particularly skilled with your communications this month because this will allow you to dance delicately around any difficult situation that could turn into an argument, especially about money, shared costs or shared property. Instead, redecorate or entertain at home. Tonight: Check your finances.
BORN TODAY
Actress Michelle Pfeiffer (1958), actress Uma Thurman (1970), actress Kate Mulgrew (1955)
We haven’t been through The Junction in a few days so we don’t know how long this has been up, but this mural on the east side of the California/Erskine 7-Eleven caught our eye this evening, so we pulled over for a quick through-the-windshield pic. It bears both the Coca-Cola and 7-Eleven logos, so we’re pretty sure it’s official, though probably not part of the major Seattle World Cup mural project. (Seen other signs of World Cup mania-to-come in West Seattle? Let us know – thank you!)
-
Health3 minutes agoDoes Chitosan for Weight Loss Work? A Harvard Doctor Reveals the Truth
-
Culture15 minutes agoBook Review: “Japanese Gothic,” by Kylie Lee Baker
-
Lifestyle21 minutes agoMelania Trump, Queen Camilla and the Look of the Special Relationship
-
Education27 minutes agoVideo: Alcohol Hot Takes with a Connoisseur
-
Technology33 minutes agoThe best deals we found during Amazon’s Gaming Week
-
World39 minutes ago2 Jewish men stabbed in London attack classified as terrorism
-
Politics45 minutes agoWoman exposed running visa fraud scheme spanning years, posing as immigration officer
-
Health51 minutes agoDamon Wayans reveals the scary symptom that led to his type 2 diabetes diagnosis