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Pioneer F Plaque Symbology
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Pioneer F Plaque Symbology
The Pioneer F spacecraft, destined to be the first man made object to escape from the solar system into interstellar space, carries this pictorial plaque. It is designed to show scientifically educated inhabitants of some other star system, who might intercept it millions of years from now, when Pioneer was launched, from where, and by what kind of beings. (With the hope that they would not invade Earth.) The design is etched into a 6 inch by 9 inch gold-anodized aluminum plate, attached to the spacecrafts attenna support struts in a position to help shield it from erosion by interstellar dust. The radiating lines at left represents the positions of 14 pulsars, a cosmic source of radio energy, arranged to indicate our sun as the home star of our civilization. The " 1-" symbols at the ends of the lines are binary numbers that represent the frequencies of these pulsars at the time of launch of Pioneer F relative of that to the hydrogen atom shown at the upper left with a " 1" unity symbol. The hydrogen atom is thus used as a " universal clock, " and the regular decrease in the frequencies of the pulsars will enable another civilization to determine the time that has elapsed since Pioneer F was launched. The hydrogen is also used as a " universal yardstick" for sizing the human figures and outline of the spacecraft shown on the right. The hydrogen wavelength, about 8 inches, multiplied by the binary number representing " 8" shown next to the woman gives her height, 64 inches. The figures represent the type of creature that created Pioneer. The mans hand is raised in a gesture of good will. Across the bottom are the planets, ranging outward from the Sun, with the spacecraft trajectory arching away from Earth, passing Mars, and swinging by Jupiter
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Media ID 634549
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Pioneer F Plaque Symbology, a remarkable piece of art etched into a 6 inch by 9 inch gold-anodized aluminum plate attached to the Pioneer F spacecraft. Created with the intention of communicating with scientifically advanced extraterrestrial beings who may encounter it in interstellar space millions of years from now, this plaque holds vital information about our civilization and its origins. The design features radiating lines representing the positions of 14 pulsars, cosmic sources of radio energy, arranged to indicate that our sun is the home star of humanity. The binary numbers at the ends of these lines represent the frequencies of these pulsars at the time Pioneer F was launched. By using hydrogen as a "universal clock" another civilization can determine how much time has passed since its launch. The human figures depicted on this plaque are sized according to hydrogen wavelengths, with each figure's height determined by multiplying their respective binary number by eight inches. This meticulous attention to detail allows for an understanding of human proportions and provides insight into our physical form. At the bottom, we see a representation of our solar system's planets, while above them lies Pioneer F's trajectory arching away from Earth towards Mars and Jupiter. The man's raised hand symbolizes goodwill and peaceful intentions from those responsible for creating this pioneering spacecraft. This print captures not only scientific ingenuity but also serves as a testament to humanity's curiosity and desire for connection beyond our own celestial boundaries.
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