NASA beams Beatles song across the universe

Last updated Feb 4, 2008 — 509 views

Using its Deep Space Network, NASA will beam the Beatles song, “Across the Universe,” into deep space today at 7 p.m. EST. The transmission commemorates both the agency’s 50th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of the song’s first recording.

NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) is a network of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the solar system and the universe. It currently comprises three deep-space communications facilities placed approximately 120 degrees apart around the world — in California’s Mojave Desert; near Madrid, Spain; and near Canberra, Australia.

“Across the Universe” was written by Beatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney. In a message to NASA, McCartney reportedly said, “Amazing! Well done, NASA! Send my love to the aliens. All the best, Paul.” Yoko Ono, widow of John Lennon, added, “I see that this is the beginning of the new age in which we will communicate with billions of planets across the universe.”

NASA says this is the first time it has used DSN to beam a song into the depths of space. According to NASA’s website, Feb. 4, 2008 is being celebrated as “Across the Universe Day.” People throughout the world have been invited to play the song simultaneously with NASA DSN transmission.

Here’s a convenient YouTube video to help you participate in the celebration:

Enjoy…!



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