Technology

The 5 biggest space discoveries of 2021

The year 2021 proved exceptionally fruitful for space exploration and astronomical research.

Increased public and private funding, along with advancements in technology, fueled numerous breakthroughs, setting the stage for future extraterrestrial endeavors.

Artistic representation of the solar system – Credit: NASA

To celebrate the achievements of 2021, we’ve compiled five of the most noteworthy discoveries.

1. An amateur astronomer identifies a new Jovian moon

Newly discovered moons around Jupiter are much more distant and much smaller, and therefore much more difficult to find than those like Europe - Credits: NASA — Newly discovered moons around Jupiter are much more distant and much smaller, and therefore much more difficult to find than those like Europe – Credits: NASA

While this newly found moon lacks an official designation, its existence elevates Jupiter’s satellite count to 8

1. James Webb Telescope Unveils Stunning Cosmic Images

The James Webb Space Telescope, a marvel of engineering, has started transmitting breathtaking images of the cosmos, revealing previously unseen details of distant galaxies and celestial formations. This achievement marks a considerable leap forward in our comprehension of the universe’s vastness and complexity.

2. DART Mission Successfully Alters Asteroid’s Trajectory

NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission triumphantly demonstrated the feasibility of deflecting an asteroid’s path through a kinetic impact. This accomplishment signifies a critical step toward safeguarding Earth from potential asteroid threats, showcasing humanity’s growing capacity to defend our planet.

3. Parker Solar Probe Makes Historic First Contact with the Sun

The Parker Solar Probe has reached a significant milestone, making initial contact with the Sun’s corona. This landmark event paves the way for groundbreaking scientific discoveries, enhancing our understanding of the Sun’s behavior, evolution, and its effects on our solar system and beyond.Parker Solar Probe Space Probe Successfully Touched The Sun For The First Time. This momentous occasion hints at tremendously exciting breakthroughs. This achievement propels our knowledge of the Sun, its life cycle, and its effect on the solar system, and extends this understanding to other stars.

The 5 biggest space discoveries of 2021

1. An amateur astronomer identifies a new Jovian moon

1. James Webb Telescope Unveils Stunning Cosmic Images

2. DART Mission Successfully Alters Asteroid’s Trajectory

3. Parker Solar Probe Makes Historic First Contact with the Sun

4. Perseverance Rover Begins Martian Rock Analysis