Space discoveries in the last 6 years
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Recent Space Discoveries in the Last Six Years
Comet Landing and Asteroid Rings
One of the most remarkable achievements in recent space exploration was the successful landing of a probe on a comet in 2014. This mission provided close-up images of the comet, offering unprecedented insights into its structure and composition1. Additionally, rings, which were previously known to exist only around the gaseous planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, were discovered around an asteroid, expanding our understanding of ring formation in the solar system1.
Water Vapour on Ceres and New Moons
In another significant discovery, water vapour was detected emerging from the dwarf planet Ceres, which orbits within the asteroid belt. This finding has important implications for our understanding of water distribution in the solar system1. Furthermore, the number of known moons orbiting Pluto increased from one to five, and an additional moon was discovered around Neptune, highlighting the dynamic nature of these distant celestial bodies1.
Advances in Space Telescopes
Space telescopes have continued to play a crucial role in astronomical discoveries. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) remains a cornerstone of space observation, providing a continuous stream of new discoveries and captivating images. The last servicing mission of HST, which included repairs and the installation of new instruments, has ensured its continued operation and contribution to science3. Complementing HST, other space telescopes such as the Spitzer Space Telescope, Chandra X-Ray Observatory, Herschel Space Observatory, and Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope have also made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe3.
Future Prospects with the James Webb Space Telescope
Looking ahead, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is poised to further revolutionize our understanding of space. Scheduled for launch in 2018, JWST is expected to provide deeper insights into the formation of stars and galaxies, the atmospheres of exoplanets, and the origins of the universe3. This telescope represents a significant investment in the future of space exploration and promises to continue the legacy of groundbreaking discoveries.
Conclusion
The last six years have been a period of remarkable achievements in space exploration. From landing a probe on a comet and discovering rings around an asteroid to detecting water vapour on Ceres and identifying new moons around Pluto and Neptune, these discoveries have significantly advanced our understanding of the solar system. The continued operation of space telescopes like Hubble and the upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope ensure that the next few years will be equally exciting for space science.
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