What did we recently discover in space
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Recent Discoveries in Space
Comet Landing and Asteroid Rings
In 2014, one of the most thrilling achievements in space exploration was the successful landing of a probe on a comet, providing unprecedented close-up images of its surface. Additionally, astronomers discovered rings around an asteroid, a feature previously known only to exist around the gaseous planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Water Vapour on Ceres and New Moons
Another significant discovery was the detection of water vapour emerging from the dwarf planet Ceres, which orbits in the asteroid belt. This finding has implications for our understanding of water distribution in the Solar System. Furthermore, the number of moons orbiting Pluto has increased to five, and an additional moon has been discovered around Neptune.
Detection of New Molecules in Space
Acetyl Cation (CH3CO+)
Using advanced radio telescopes, researchers have detected the acetyl cation (CH3CO+) in space. This discovery was confirmed through observations, theoretical calculations, and laboratory experiments, highlighting the high abundance of this protonated form due to the high proton affinity of its neutral counterpart.
Protonated Tricarbon Monoxide (HC3O+)
Similarly, the protonated tricarbon monoxide (HC3O+) was discovered in the cold dense core TMC-1. This finding was also supported by laboratory production and theoretical calculations, contributing to our understanding of the chemistry of oxygen-bearing species in space.
Carbonic Acid (HOCOOH)
A new interstellar molecule, the cis-trans form of carbonic acid (HOCOOH), was detected towards the Galactic center molecular cloud. This molecule is notable for being the first interstellar molecule containing three oxygen atoms and the third carboxylic acid detected in the interstellar medium.
Advances in Exoplanet Science
NASA's Kepler space telescope has revolutionized the field of exoplanet science by discovering the majority of known exoplanets. Kepler has provided critical insights into the characteristics of planets and planetary systems, particularly those similar in size and orbit to Earth.
Space Weather and the Van Allen Belts
Recent observations by NASA's Van Allen Probes mission have revealed new properties of the Earth's radiation belts, particularly for electrons at highly relativistic energies. These findings have significant implications for understanding space weather impacts and the behavior of high-energy particles in the magnetosphere.
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have been identified as major players in the solar-terrestrial relationship, causing severe space weather events such as geomagnetic storms and solar energetic particle events. Research over the past two decades has greatly expanded our understanding of CMEs and their effects on Earth's space environment.
Theoretical Advances in Space Propulsion
To achieve practical interstellar travel, breakthroughs in propulsion technology are required. Researchers are exploring various hypothetical space drives that could potentially provide self-contained propulsion without the need for propellant. These concepts include interacting with electromagnetic fluctuations of the vacuum and developing new physics to describe inertia, gravity, and space-time.
Conclusion
Recent discoveries in space have significantly advanced our understanding of the Solar System, interstellar chemistry, exoplanets, and space weather. From landing probes on comets to detecting new molecules in space, these findings continue to challenge and expand our knowledge of the cosmos.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic