The universe is full of incredible objects, and scientists continue to uncover their mysteries through imaging and understanding the laws that govern them. Each year, new observations and data redefine our knowledge of the origins of Earth, the solar system, and the entire universe. In 2024, astrophysical discoveries and advances showcased some of the most remarkable findings in the field.
One of the standout discoveries was the identification of the oldest black hole ever found, dating back to just 400 million years after the Big Bang. This ancient black hole predates the universe itself, highlighting the incredible age of this celestial object. Additionally, researchers captured the first detailed view of a star outside the Milky Way, a red supergiant in the Large Magellanic Cloud shedding material as it approaches a supernova.
In the realm of our own solar system, Jupiter’s plasma jets were revealed through analysis of Voyager 2 data, while the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars made history with the first powered flight on another planet. The OSIRIS-REx mission brought back a sample of asteroid Bennu, shedding light on the asteroid’s composition and history.
Further afield, the Webb Space Telescope captured stunning images of spiral galaxies, while new moons were discovered orbiting Uranus and Neptune. A supernova birthing a black hole was imaged, providing a glimpse into the dramatic death of a star. The May solar activity led to spectacular auroras on Earth and Mars, showcasing the interconnectedness of our solar system.
Overall, 2024 was a year of unprecedented discoveries and advancements in astrophysics, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the universe we inhabit.