Historical Events tagged with "outer solar system"
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.
Launch of the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE)
The European Space Agency launched the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), a mission aimed at exploring Jupiter's moons, particularly Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto. JUICE is set to study the potential habitability of these icy worlds and investigate their geology, atmospheres, and magnetic fields. The spacecraft was launched aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana, marking a significant step in humanity's exploration of the outer solar system. The mission will take nearly eight years to reach its destination, arriving at Jupiter in 2031.
Continue ReadingVoyager 2 Encounters Neptune Closely
Voyager 2 spacecraft made its closest approach to Neptune, the last planet in the Solar System at the time. This significant event occurred on August 25, 1989, as Voyager 2 flew within 4,800 kilometers of Neptune's cloud tops. The spacecraft captured stunning images and data, providing the first close-up view of Neptune and its moons, vastly expanding our understanding of this distant planet and its features, including Neptune's Great Dark Spot, a massive storm system.
Continue ReadingDiscovery of Charon, Pluto's First Satellite
Charon, the first satellite of Pluto, was discovered by astronomer James W. Christy at the United States Naval Observatory. Utilizing a 12-inch telescope, Christy detected Charon through a photographic plate taken of Pluto. The discovery marked a significant milestone in planetary studies and improved understanding of Pluto's characteristics. Christy observed a slight elongation in Pluto's image, prompting his investigation that led to the recognition of this largest moon of Pluto.
Continue ReadingDiscovery of Epimetheus by Richard Walker
Richard Walker, an astronomer, discovered Saturn's moon Epimetheus using advanced observational techniques. This moon, known for its unique orbital relationship with another moon, Janus, is a significant addition to the understanding of Saturn's diverse system. The discovery provided insight into moon formation and dynamics in the outer solar system. Walker's work contributed to the growing body of knowledge about celestial bodies beyond Earth.
Continue Reading