The 5 biggest space discoveries of 2021

The year 2021 is an absolutely exceptional year for space agencies and astronomers of all kinds.

A renewed interest, public and private investment, and technological maturity once morest the backdrop of a future extraterrestrial geopolitical conflict have been the breeding ground for many discoveries.

Artistic representation of the solar system – Credit: NASA

To get 2022 off to a good start, we have selected 5 of the most significant discoveries of 2021.

1. An amateur astronomer discovers a new moon around Jupiter

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

Although this Jovian moon has not yet received an official designation, it would bring the number of Jupiter’s satellites to 80. “He’s just a typical member of the Retrograde Carmelite group.This group includes 22 other small moons orbiting Jupiter in the opposite direction of its rotation with periods of regarding two years. These retrograde little Jovian moons promise to have many neighbors to discover. Recently scientists notably suggested that Jupiter might have some 600 satellites at least 800 meters in diameter.. The development of larger, more sensitive telescopes should make these new discoveries easier.

2. Scientists spot the closest black hole to Earth

Only 1,500 light years from Earth is the closest known black hole to Earth, now called “The Unicorn”. This eerily tiny celestial object is than three times as massive as the sun. it’s surprising that the smallest black hole detected is also the closest to Earth. « Because the system is so unique and so weird, you know, it certainly earned the nickname, the Unicorn.“. We are eager to learn more regarding this very recent discovery.

3. Parker Solar Probe manages to cross the mythical barrier of the solar corona

Artist’s representation of NASA’s Parker solar probe – Credit: NASA

Parker Solar Probe Space Probe Successfully Touched The Sun For The First Time. A monumental stage that suggests new discoveries very exciting. This step allows us not only to develop our knowledge regarding the Sun, its evolution and its impact on the solar system, but also on all the other stars of the universe.

4. Perseverance begins to study the rocks of Mars

Image taken by NASA’s Perseverance rover on September 7, 2021, shows two holes where the rover’s drill obtained samples – Credit: NASA

« Just as the Apollo Moon missions demonstrated the enduring scientific value of returning samples from other worlds for analysis here on our planet, so will we do with the samples Perseverance collected as part of our Mars Sample Return program. Using the most sophisticated scientific instruments on Earth, we expect breathtaking discoveries in a wide range of scientific fields, including exploring whether life ever existed on Mars.Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA headquarters in Washington.

5. We return to Venus by 2030

Venus – Credits: NASA / JPL-Caltech

At the beginning of June 2021, something unexpected happened within the space exploration agencies. In less than a week, three missions to Venus were selected. NASA to send two missions to Venus by 2030 (the VERITAS and DAVINCI + probes) and the ÉSA program also one, namely the EnVision orbiter. This new momentum towards the blue planet is due to the possible discovery of phosphine, a possible biosignature, in the clouds of Venus.

Source : Space