There were a lot of events this year that made us realize why we look at the stars and go back in time.
Wonder and curiosity are two of humanity’s most potent characteristics, and when combined, they cause us to ask questions that open up new avenues of discovery.
The Artemis I mission went to the moon and back, and numerous discoveries shed light on some of history’s mysteries. Researchers, explorers, and innovators discovered previously unknown species all over the world.
Additionally, the pursuit of curiosity never ends. We will always learn new things about our home planet and the universe as long as scientists keep asking questions.
With the Wonder Theory team, take a look back at some of the best moments from 2022 as the year comes to a close.
All over the world
In 2022, the James Webb Space Telescope started up and turned its infrared camera toward the deepest parts of the universe. It showed amazing views of faraway galaxies and the glowing cradles of newly formed stars.
The Hubble Space Telescope saw the most distant star ever observed after a NASA spacecraft intentionally collided with an asteroid.
On Mars, the Ingenuity rover and the Perseverance rover set a new standard for exploration, and orbiters captured stunning images of the Martian winter. The ground-breaking InSight mission ended after four years, but not before it detected thousands of quakes and space rocks hitting the red planet.
In addition, there were a few scenes that had the impression of being straight out of a science fiction movie, such as a space pulse resembling a heartbeat and the enigmatic giant rings.
Many years ago
On Earth, ancient DNA was instrumental in revealing previously unknown eras.
This year, the genomes of a Neanderthal family, a Pompeii victim, and remains found at the bottom of an 800-year-old well were extracted from bones, teeth, and even dirt to provide a genetic snapshot.
In addition, the identification of a puzzling hybrid animal known as a kunga and further clarification regarding the identity of some of the first Americans were made possible by DNA sequencing analysis.
Kingdom wild
Let’s warmly welcome some of the most recent members of the tree of life.
In 2022, 146 new animal, plant, and fungus species were discovered by collaborators at the California Academy of Sciences.
High school students in California discovered scorpions that had never been seen before, an adventurous scientist followed dozens of geckos across the islands of New Caledonia, and divers encountered stunning rainbow-colored fish.
Countries have pledged to protect the ecosystems that support Earth’s declining biodiversity, so finding more species is crucial.
Dig this
This year, a remarkable number of art and archaeological finds opened doors to the past.
An X-ray revealed a self-portrait by Van Gogh hidden beneath a painting, a vast Roman city was unearthed, and a recently discovered secret tunnel may lead to Cleopatra’s lost tomb.
Additionally, more than two dozen ancient Roman bronze statues were discovered in the mud at a thermal bath in Tuscany, the largest pink diamond in 300 years was discovered in Angola, and a medieval love token was discovered by an amateur detectorist.
View the sky
There’s a lot to think back probably as 2022 breezes down, yet new ponders will have large amounts of 2023. First, there will be a lot of good reasons to look up at the night sky.
Along with the usual 12 full moons, the new year will also include spectacular meteor showers, solar and lunar eclipses, and a bonus blue moon.
To begin, the Quadrantid meteor shower reaches its peak on January 3. In addition, a newly discovered comet will be visible in the night sky in January and February. A stargazer will undoubtedly enjoy the close approach of the celestial object.
The wonder
Before you leave, investigate a little more:
In a massive meteorite that was found in Somalia in 2020, researchers discovered two minerals that had never been seen before on Earth.
A scientist with keen eyes discovered extremely rare evidence indicating that dinosaurs ate small mammals 120 million years ago.
In 2018, the sea turtle Heidi was freed from a tangled fishing line. The amputee turtle now has a secure home and numerous new companions.
Happy New Year, and thank you for spending 2022 with Wonder Theory! Come see us in 2023.
