3 ms·
The full quote with context makes it pretty clear that the author is talking about crossing into interstellar space/leaving the solar system. It certainly could
by aardvarkr 4y ago
The full quote with context makes it pretty clear that the author is talking about crossing into interstellar space/leaving the solar system. It certainly could have been better worded though and should be fixed.
“And they have crossed into interstellar space, according to our best understanding of the boundary between the sun's sphere of influence and the rest of the galaxy. They are the first human-made objects to do so, a distinction they will hold for at least another few decades.”
- mokus 4y agoIt doesn’t matter what it’s about though - if they were first at something then barring time travel they will always be the first, no matter how many more do it.
- lkrubner 4y ago"according to our best understanding of the boundary" -- they are the first to cross the boundary unless our understanding of the boundary changes, and then there is the small possibility that something faster can reach the "real" boundary faster.