10 free The Voyager Golden Record trivia questions with answers — trivia quiz, new questions added Aug 2026.
In 1977, NASA launched two Golden Records into space carrying Bach, Chuck Berry, and greetings in 55 languages—a cosmic time capsule for alien life. But do you actually know what made the cut? Take our 10-question quiz and find out.
All 10 questions with answers and explanations. Play the quiz
Q 01What was the primary purpose of the Voyager Golden Records carried aboard the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft?
To communicate a story of Earth's life and culture to potential extraterrestrial intelligence.
The Voyager Golden Records were designed as a 'time capsule' to convey information about Earth, its life, and human cultures to any intelligent extraterrestrial life forms that might encounter the spacecraft in the distant future.
Q 02How many images were encoded on each Voyager Golden Record?
116
Each Voyager Golden Record contains 116 images, carefully selected to represent the diversity of life and culture on Earth, with one image used for calibration.
Q 03Which natural sound was included on the Voyager Golden Record?
A volcanic eruption
The Golden Record included a variety of 'Sounds of Earth,' among them natural sounds like surf, wind, thunder, and a volcanic eruption, alongside animal sounds such as whale songs.
Q 04Who chaired the committee that assembled the contents of the Voyager Golden Record?
Carl Sagan
The contents of the Voyager Golden Record were selected for NASA by a committee chaired by astronomer Carl Sagan of Cornell University.
Q 05What material was primarily used for the Voyager Golden Record itself?
Gold-plated copper
The Voyager Golden Records are 12-inch phonograph records made of gold-plated copper, chosen for its durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions of space.
Q 06In what year were the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft, carrying the Golden Records, launched?
1977
Both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft, each carrying an identical Golden Record, were launched by NASA in 1977.
Q 07Which classical music piece by Beethoven is featured on the Voyager Golden Record?
Symphony No. 5
Among the diverse musical selections on the Golden Record, Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 is included, representing Western classical music.
Q 08How many different human languages are represented in the spoken greetings on the Golden Record?
55
The Golden Record includes spoken greetings in 55 ancient and modern human languages, intended as a message from the people of Earth.
Q 09For whom were the Voyager Golden Records primarily intended?
Intelligent extraterrestrial life
The Voyager Golden Records were explicitly designed as a message to any intelligent extraterrestrial life forms that might discover the spacecraft in interstellar space.
Q 10How many identical Golden Records were created and launched into space?
Two
Two identical Voyager Golden Records were created, with one placed aboard each of the twin Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft.