We send probes on basically a universal plane. Basically, exploring the universe on a horizontal axis. Why not vertically? is it possible? Or does the universe reside on a plane that can only be explored horizontally?
2007-11-20 18:23:52 · 3 answers · asked by maksim55669 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Our probes go out in a plane because that's how our solar system is arranged, and that is so far all we can get to with probes. We can't send a probe to the outer regions of the solar system without assistance from the gravity of the planets, using swingbys to gain speed and continue outwards. If we shot off a probe 'vertically' it wouldn't get very far, and it would be an incredibly long time before it encountered anything.
2007-11-20 20:05:55 · answer #1 · answered by Jason T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Universe isn't on any plane.
The Milky Way galaxy definitely has a plane, as does the solar system, but our ecliptic is inclined highly to the galactic equator.
Our explorations have all been on the ecliptic region because the solar system is mostly arranged that way. Comets seem to be the only members with highly inclined orbits. Pluto does, too, but we haven't sent any probes there.
We are not in any position to explore other stars, so the solar system has been our exclusive laboratory.
2007-11-20 18:37:25 · answer #2 · answered by Brant 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've always be under the impression that our technology is limited to only explore our solar system, that anything that lies above or beyond it is too far away.
2007-11-20 18:34:10 · answer #3 · answered by BIGDAWG 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋