Austrian composer Johann Strauss II’s iconic “The Blue Danube” waltz is set to become the music of the cosmos when the European Space Agency broadcasts the piece into deep space in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The 1866 composition, known as “An der schönen blauen Donau,” will be transmitted towards NASA’s Voyager 1 probe by ESA’s Deep Space Antenna in Spain.
The waltz, performed by the Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), has become synonymous with science fiction and outer space since its inclusion in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The agency’s mission will not only pay tribute to Strauss’ legacy but also mark a new era of interstellar exploration.
On May 31, fans around the world can watch a live 15-minute stream of the broadcast on the ESA’s official website and social media channels. The event starts at 3:30 p.m. ET (1930 GMT). This historic transmission will correct an oversight from 1977 when the “Blue Danube” was not included in NASA’s Voyager Golden Records.
Currently, Voyager 1 is approximately 15.4 billion miles away, and the signal will take roughly 23 hours to reach it. This mission aims to share the timeless beauty of classical music with future generations among the stars.
Source: https://www.space.com/entertainment/why-is-the-european-space-agency-beaming-a-waltz-at-nasas-voyager-1-probe-this-weekend