In a groundbreaking move, NASA has announced its plan to send a cryptic human message to Jupiter’s moon Europa as part of its upcoming mission. The message will be engraved on a silicon microchip attached to a commemorative plate aboard the Europa Clipper spacecraft, slated for a launch in October 2024.
What makes this message truly unique is the fact that it will contain the names of over 2.6 million individuals, serving as a representation of humanity’s diversity and unity. In addition to the names, the plate will feature a handwritten poem by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, showcasing the artistic side of humanity.
The plate, made of tantalum, will be adorned with artwork symbolizing Earth’s connection to Europa, highlighting our planet’s best attributes such as science, technology, education, art, and mathematics. The design will also incorporate waveforms representing the word “water” in 103 languages, emphasizing the importance of this essential element.
As the Clipper spacecraft embarks on its journey to Jupiter, it will orbit the gas giant in 2030 and conduct close flybys of Europa to study its icy crust and subsurface ocean. The mission’s primary goal is to determine whether Europa could potentially harbor life, a question that has intrigued scientists for decades.
Through this mission, NASA aims to merge scientific exploration with elements of art and culture, showcasing the best of humanity’s achievements. This symbolic gesture not only represents a major milestone in space exploration but also serves as a testament to our collective curiosity and drive for knowledge.
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”