Voyager 'impossible' discovery at solar system edge + IMAP heliosphere mapping + spacecraft distances
Key Questions
Where are Voyager 1 and 2 currently located?
Voyager 1 is at 169 AU approaching 1 light-day, while Voyager 2 is at 140 AU. Both crossed the heliosphere edge at nearly identical distances despite different trajectories and solar cycle phases.
What is the status of the IMAP mission for heliosphere mapping?
IMAP is scheduled post-February 2026 to map the heliosphere. It follows observations of the porous heliosphere and odd magnetic fields encountered by the Voyagers.
How far is New Horizons and what are Mars travel times?
New Horizons is at 55-60 AU. Mars travel via Hohmann transfer takes about 3 years, while a 2031 shortcut could reduce it to 33 or 56 days.
Voyager 1 at 169 AU approaching 1 light-day (~173 AU); LECP shutdown, odd magnetic fields, porous heliosphere. V2 at 140 AU. IMAP post-Feb 2026. New Horizons 55-60 AU. Mars travel times (3yr Hohmann, CA21 shortcut 33/56-day 2031). No new updates from today's reading.