"We Are Not Alone"

sent back for what was at the time considered the most miraculous pictures of our solar system’s giant planets and moons. The Voyagers examined the strength, shape and direction of the magnetic fields surrounding the planets and even gave scientists a glimpse of what the composition was of electrically charged plasma.
The teacher took note of Michael’s body language and noticed that his eyes were glazed over. It was as if he had some profound—unmovable connection with the probes, as if he could actually visualize what must have been the most extraordinary encounters the satellites had as they orbited the majestic bodies in outer space.
The science teacher was very observant. However, Michaels mind was even more overtaken by the spectacle than the teacher could have ever imagined. Michael didn’t just feel like he was there . . . he was there—somehow, observing the Voyagers during their mission. His conscious mind was no longer in the classroom. He could hear the changes in pitch and frequency of the radio transmissions and detect each and every movement of the satellites’ delicate instruments. As a result of a recent directive initiated by NASA’s technicians, Voyager Two shut down camera number three. The generators hummed flawlessly, but were running out of power as expected.

“Nine billion miles from the sun, that’s where they are now . . .at the boundary of the heliopause, where our solar system ends and interstellar space begins,” he said in a whisper to himself, but loud enough for just about everyone within earshot to hear.
Suddenly, he looked up, and saw everybody staring at him. His face lost all of its color and he immediately broke out into a cold sweat. Just then the bell rang and class was over, to his utter relief!