Voyager 1: 49 Years in Space, Still Bound by Our Solar System

This is an in-depth science explainer about space exploration. The background: Voyager 1, launched in 1977, has been flying for 49 years, yet it has still not been universally recognized as having "left the solar system." Behind this lies a complex debate over how to define the boundary of the solar system—should it be based on the heliopause, the Oort cloud, or the sphere of gravitational influence? The key highlight is that the program will use plain language to break down the criteria for determining "interstellar space," and revisit the stunning images of Jupiter and Saturn sent back by Voyager, along with the story of the Golden Record. It will explain why Voyager is both humanity's farthest envoy and still confined within the Sun's "gravitational cage." It is suitable for audiences interested in astronomy and space history but lacking specialized knowledge, especially enthusiasts who want to clarify the popular question: "Has Voyager actually left the solar system or not?" Viewing suggestion: no prior knowledge of physics is needed; just follow the narrative. If you are not familiar with the concepts of the heliosphere and the Oort cloud, you can search for diagrams while listening for a more intuitive understanding.