According to NASA the Voyager 1 space probe, launched in 1977, had finally left our solar system and entered interstellar space on the 25th of August 2012. This is truly a milestone in the history of the human race.

This is also a milestone in record manufacturing. When each of the two Voyager probes where launched, along with their cameras and all of the sensors used to study our solar system, they took with them a record. Not a normal  vinyl record but a 12″ lacquer master recording disc traditionally used cut vinyl masters. Once the records had been cut they where gold plated.

The discs contained sound recordings of greetings in 55 languages as well a variety of music from Andean Pan Pipe Music to Chuck Berry.

The probes also carried with them a playback cartridge with stylus  and etchings on the rear of the disc with pictorial instructions showing how they can be played.  Quite remarkable.

So it seems pretty likely that 12″ records will be the longest lasting format in recording history.

“Yo iPod, I can’t hear you! Why? Because I’m in interstellar space baby”

You can read more information about these discs on this link.

If you are interested in other music recording history why, not try the Pure Music Quiz, not as boring as it might sound!