On August 23–24, 1989, NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft made its closest approach to Neptune, completing its grand tour of the outer planets. The mission, launched in 1977, had already visited Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. During the Neptune flyby, Voyager 2 transmitted detailed images and data on the planet and its moon Triton. The encounter revealed new information about Neptune’s atmosphere, weather, and ring system. The flyby showcased American capabilities in robotic exploration. Data from the mission still informs planetary science today.
