Historical Events tagged with "discovery"

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 Launches STS-121 on Independence Day

July 4th, 2006 18 years ago

The Space Shuttle Discovery launched STS-121 to the International Space Station on July 4, 2006. This mission was notable as it marked the only shuttle launch in the program's history to occur on Independence Day. The launch carried a crew of seven astronauts and showcased NASA's commitment to returning to flight after the Columbia disaster in 2003. Discovery successfully delivered supplies and equipment to the ISS and conducted important testing of new technologies, enhancing the future of space exploration.

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Space Exploration

Discovery Images of Dwarf Planet Eris Captured

October 21st, 2005 19 years ago

Images of the dwarf planet Eris were successfully taken using the powerful CCD camera of the Samuel Oschin Telescope at Palomar Observatory. These images revealed a distant celestial body located in the scattered disc region of the solar system, which is beyond Neptune. The discovery of Eris, initially designated 2003 UB313, has implications for our understanding of celestial bodies in the outer solar system. Observational studies began in 2003, but the confirmed imaging occurred in 2005, leading to its recognition as a significant trans-Neptunian object.

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Space Exploration

Deep Impact Mission Strikes Comet Tempel 1

July 4th, 2005 19 years ago

The Deep Impact spacecraft collided with comet Tempel 1 to study its composition. Launched in 2005, this ambitious NASA mission sought to gather data about the interior of the comet by causing a deliberate impact with a projectile, providing insights into the origins of the solar system. The impact created a crater, allowing scientists to analyze the debris thrown into space and glean crucial information about the comet's nucleus, composition, and structure.

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Space Exploration

Discovery of the Dwarf Planet Makemake

March 31st, 2005 19 years ago

A team of astronomers led by Michael E. Brown at the Palomar Observatory detected Makemake, a new dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt. This discovery added to the list of known celestial bodies beyond Neptune and piqued interest due to its unique characteristics and distant orbit. The team used advanced imaging techniques to identify Makemake, which is recognized for its brightness and size, providing valuable data about the objects that inhabit the outer regions of our solar system.

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Space Exploration

Mars Odyssey Begins Mapping Surface of Mars

February 19th, 2002 23 years ago

NASA's Mars Odyssey space probe commenced its mission to map Mars' surface using its advanced thermal emission imaging system. Launched in 2001, the spacecraft aimed to uncover insights into the planet's geology and climate. The probe's innovative technology allowed it to detect minerals and assess the Martian environment, providing pivotal data for future explorations. Odyssey's findings were crucial for understanding past water activity on Mars, paving the way for subsequent missions and research.

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Space Exploration

First Detection of Extrasolar Planet Atmosphere

November 27th, 2001 23 years ago

Using the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers detected hydrogen in the atmosphere of the extrasolar planet Osiris, marking a significant milestone in the study of distant worlds. This groundbreaking discovery indicated that Osiris has an atmosphere, providing important insights into its composition. The finding not only exemplified the capabilities of Hubble but also signaled a new era of astrophysics, paving the way for future research into exoplanets and their atmospheres.

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Space Exploration

Discovery Launches Expedition 3 to ISS

August 10th, 2001 23 years ago

The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station, carrying the Expedition 3 crew to replace Expedition 2. The mission aimed to further the assembly of the ISS and included important science experiments and cargo delivery.

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Space Exploration

NASA's Milestone: STS-92 Launch Success

October 11th, 2000 24 years ago

The STS-92 mission marked NASA's 100th Space Shuttle launch, successfully taking off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission's primary objective was to deliver and install the Z1 Truss and a Pressurized Mating Adapter to the International Space Station. Commander Jeffrey Ashby led a crew of seven, embarking on an 11-day journey that focused on critical assembly tasks for the orbiting lab. This mission was significant in showcasing NASA's continued commitment to human space exploration and laying the groundwork for future missions.

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Science & Technology

Human Genome Project's Rough Draft Unveiled

June 26th, 2000 24 years ago

The Human Genome Project announced a major milestone with the completion of a rough draft sequence of the human genome. This collaborative scientific endeavor began in 1990, with contributions from scientists worldwide. The draft provided approximately 90% of the human genome's sequence, marking an unprecedented achievement in genetic research. This significant breakthrough has vast implications for biology, medicine, and understanding human genetics, allowing for further exploration into the mapping of genetic diseases.

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