Europa, with its icy crust concealing a vast ocean beneath, has captured the imagination of scientists for years. Recent findings suggest that this moon harbors more than double the amount of water found in all of Earth’s oceans combined, hinting at the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
In a gesture emblematic of our interconnectedness as inhabitants of Earth, NASA has inscribed a unique message on the spacecraft, encompassing 103 languages, including Hindi. Crafted on a 7 by 11-inch plate made from tantalum, the message serves as a testament to humanity’s diverse linguistic tapestry.
The essence of this message lies in its representation of the word “water” in various languages, symbolizing our planet’s intrinsic bond with Europa. Linguists meticulously curated recordings of the term “water” spoken across different cultures, which were then transformed into visual waveforms etched onto the plate. These waveforms radiate from a symbol depicting the American Sign Language sign for “water,” encapsulating the universal significance of this essential element.
Among the languages featured on the plate is Hindi, with the waveform representing the word “paani.” This inclusion underscores the mission’s global perspective, emphasizing the shared quest for knowledge that transcends linguistic barriers.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic golden record aboard the Voyager mission, which ventured into interstellar space, the Europa Clipper mission seeks to foster a sense of connection and curiosity across cosmic distances. Lori Glaze, director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA, remarked, “The content and design of Europa Clipper’s vault plate are swimming with meaning. The plate combines the best humanity has to offer across the universe – science, technology, education, art, and math.”In addition to the linguistic plate, the spacecraft carries a poignant tribute in the form of a handwritten poem by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón, titled “In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa.” This poetic ode, alongside a silicon microchip bearing over 2.6 million names from individuals worldwide, embodies the spirit of human ingenuity and exploration.As the Europa Clipper mission embarks on its journey to delve into the depths of Jupiter’s enigmatic moon, it serves as a testament to the boundless curiosity and collaborative spirit driving humanity’s quest for knowledge in the cosmos.