Historical Events tagged with "astronomy"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Space Exploration

Discovery of Jupiter's Irregular Moons Announced

July 17th, 2018 6 years ago

Scott S. Sheppard and his team announced the discovery of a dozen irregular moons orbiting Jupiter, expanding the known range of the planet's satellites. Found using advanced telescopes in the southern hemisphere, these moons highlight the diversity of celestial bodies in Jupiter's gravitational influence. The findings further advance our understanding of planetary formation and satellite dynamics in our solar system.

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Science & Technology

Total Solar Eclipse Across the USA

August 21st, 2017 7 years ago

A total solar eclipse captivated millions as it crossed the continental United States from the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast. Travelers flocked to the path of totality, where the moon completely obscured the sun, creating a breathtaking sight. During this rare celestial event, daylight turned to twilight in daytime, and temperatures dropped noticeably. Schools, communities, and families organized viewing parties, and many experienced the awe of witnessing an eclipse in its totality for the first time.

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Space Exploration

Discovery of Proxima Centauri b Announced

August 24th, 2016 8 years ago

Proxima Centauri b, the closest exoplanet to Earth, was discovered by astronomers at the European Southern Observatory. This planet orbits within the habitable zone of its star, Proxima Centauri, which is the closest star to our own solar system, located just over four light-years away. The announcement was made public during a press conference held in Germany, highlighting the significance of finding potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar system.

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Space Exploration

NASA's Discovery of Kepler-452b

July 23rd, 2015 9 years ago

NASA announced the discovery of exoplanet Kepler-452b, located 1,400 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. Identified by the Kepler space telescope, this rocky planet orbits a star similar to the Sun in its habitable zone, suggesting the potential for liquid water and conditions suitable for life. The announcement highlighted Kepler-452b as the first near-Earth-sized planet found in the habitable zone of a star similar to the Sun, raising excitement in the astronomical community about the possibilities of extraterrestrial life.

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Space Exploration

Triple Astronomical Phenomenon Aligned

March 20th, 2015 9 years ago

A remarkable alignment of celestial events occurred with a total solar eclipse, the spring equinox, and a supermoon. The solar eclipse offered a breathtaking view as the Moon passed perfectly in front of the Sun, casting a shadow that darkened skies in parts of Europe and northern Africa. Simultaneously, the equinox marked the transition to spring, providing a balance of day and night across the globe. Adding intrigue, the supermoon appeared larger and brighter due to its closer proximity to Earth. This rare convergence prompted significant interest among astronomers and the general public alike.

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Space Exploration

Kepler Telescope Confirms Earth-Size Planet Discovery

April 17th, 2014 10 years ago

NASA's Kepler Space Telescope confirmed the discovery of Kepler-186f, the first Earth-size planet found in the habitable zone of another star. Located about 500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus, Kepler-186f orbits its host star, Kepler-186, which is smaller and cooler than the Sun. The confirmation was made after intensive data analysis over several years, revealing the potential for life as we know it beyond our solar system.

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Space Exploration

Launch of Gaia Spacecraft by ESA

December 19th, 2013 11 years ago

Gaia, a space observatory by the European Space Agency (ESA), was launched to create a three-dimensional map of our galaxy. This mission aimed to measure the positions, distances, and motions of stars with unprecedented precision. The launch took place from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana and was a major step towards understanding the Milky Way and its structure. This ambitious project seeks to unlock the mysteries of stellar evolution and galactic dynamics.

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Space Exploration

Pluto's Moons Kerberos and Styx Receive Names

July 2nd, 2013 11 years ago

The International Astronomical Union officially named two of Pluto's moons, Kerberos and Styx, solidifying their identities in the astronomical community. Previously designated as P4 and P5, these celestial bodies were discovered through images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. The names Kerberos, after the three-headed dog in mythology, and Styx, named after the river in Greek mythology, were submitted by their discoverers, an example of the union’s commitment to honoring cultural heritage in celestial nomenclature.

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Space Exploration

Asteroid 1998 QE2's Close Earth Approach

May 31st, 2013 11 years ago

Asteroid 1998 QE2, accompanied by its moon, made its closest approach to Earth, providing a rare opportunity for astronomers. It passed within 3.6 million kilometers, which is approximately nine times the distance to the Moon. This significant event enabled scientists to study the asteroid and gain insights into the characteristics and behavior of near-Earth objects. This close pass did not pose any threat to our planet, ensuring safety while exhibiting the wonders of our solar system.

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