These are the 50 best science images of the year

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Jul 26, 2021, 12:46 IST

After 9 years, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft finally reached Pluto, and the images it beamed back, like this natural color image of Pluto, took our planet by storm.

After 9 years, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft finally reached Pluto, and the images it beamed back, like this natural color image of Pluto, took our planet by storm.
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Private spaceflight reached new heights this year. The dueling companies — Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origins — both had a few hiccups during takeoff and landing of their rockets this year.

Private spaceflight reached new heights this year. The dueling companies — Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origins — both had a few hiccups during takeoff and landing of their rockets this year.

Sources: SpaceX's 'reusable rocket' just exploded to bits — but the company says it's going to push forward anyway, SpaceX was unsuccessful in its historic attempt to land a rocket, Watch the incredible first test flight of Jeff Bezos's mysterious new rocket

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But Blue Origins launched its reusable, suborbital rocket 62 miles above the Earth and successfully landed it back in Texas in November.

But Blue Origins launched its reusable, suborbital rocket 62 miles above the Earth and successfully landed it back in Texas in November.

Source: Jeff Bezos just made history by launching and landing a reusable rocket

And SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched satellites into space in December before gracefully touching back down to Earth — sans explosion.

And SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched satellites into space in December before gracefully touching back down to Earth — sans explosion.

Sources: Incredible pictures from SpaceX's historic launch and landing, Here's why SpaceX's rocket landing was groundbreaking, Here's the major difference between SpaceX and Blue Origin

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In a landmark deal, world leaders agreed to try and limit greenhouse gas emissions in order to prevent global temperatures from rising 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

In a landmark deal, world leaders agreed to try and limit greenhouse gas emissions in order to prevent global temperatures from rising 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Source: World leaders approve the Paris agreement to combat climate change

Health officials finally contained the devastating Ebola outbreak in western Africa, though more than 28,000 people became infected and 11,000 died.

Health officials finally contained the devastating Ebola outbreak in western Africa, though more than 28,000 people became infected and 11,000 died.

Source: The Ebola crisis exposed a problem much scarier than Ebola, We Screwed Up On Ebola, And Now The Crisis Is Getting Much Worse

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Smog levels in China crept up to about 50 times more than the World Health Organization deems safe. Many citizens took to wearing masks whenever they went outside.

Smog levels in China crept up to about 50 times more than the World Health Organization deems safe. Many citizens took to wearing masks whenever they went outside.

Source: China's smog crisis looks like something out of a nightmare

We discovered flowing water on Mars (again).

We discovered flowing water on Mars (again).

Source: We've found flowing water on Mars, NASA's 'major' Mars news is a distraction from something much more exciting

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The US and Iran reached a monumental agreement in July that Iran wouldn't develop nuclear weapons, and international sanctions on the country would be lifted.

The US and Iran reached a monumental agreement in July that Iran wouldn't develop nuclear weapons, and international sanctions on the country would be lifted.

Source: World powers have reached a landmark nuclear deal with Iran, OBAMA: 'We have stopped the spread of nuclear weapons in this region'

Solar power became an increasingly reliable and affordable resource in 2015, with more people adding solar panels to their homes and more companies opening solar farms around the world.

Solar power became an increasingly reliable and affordable resource in 2015, with more people adding solar panels to their homes and more companies opening solar farms around the world.

Sources: This incredible fact will get you psyched about solar power, The US is about to hit a big solar energy milestone, The world's largest solar farm has an ingenious way to provide clean energy to half-a-million people

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NASA astronaut Scott Kelly continued to captivate us with his stunning photos from aboard the International Space Station, like this one of a pink, red, and green aurora from August 15, 2015.

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly continued to captivate us with his stunning photos from aboard the International Space Station, like this one of a pink, red, and green aurora from August 15, 2015.

Sources: The first person to spend a year in space keeps taking amazing photos, Astronaut Scott Kelly just broke the record for the longest US single spaceflight, and the pictures he's taken along the way are incredible

California had it rough this year. The worst drought on record continues to ravage the state, forcing the governor to order mandatory water regulations.

California had it rough this year. The worst drought on record continues to ravage the state, forcing the governor to order mandatory water regulations.

Source: This 10-second graphic puts California's drought into terrifying perspective, One photo shows exactly how bad the drought is in California

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A pipeline leaked up to 105,000 gallons of crude oil onto miles of California coast in May.

A pipeline leaked up to 105,000 gallons of crude oil onto miles of California coast in May.

Source: Up to 105,000 gallons of oil might have spilled off the coast of Santa Barbara

Nearly 6,300 fires in California burned more than 307,000 acres from February until September.

Nearly 6,300 fires in California burned more than 307,000 acres from February until September.

Source: Wildfires are consuming drought-ridden California

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Hawaii's Supreme Court ruled in December that the Thirty Meter Telescope — which would be the world's largest optical telescope — couldn't be built on the summit of Mauna Kea, the island chain's tallest peak, following protests and opposition from natives.

Hawaii's Supreme Court ruled in December that the Thirty Meter Telescope — which would be the world's largest optical telescope — couldn't be built on the summit of Mauna Kea, the island chain's tallest peak, following protests and opposition from natives.

Sources: This heartbreaking Hawaiian protest is about much more than a giant telescope, This giant telescope may taint sacred land. Here's why we should build it anyway, The Hawaiian Supreme Court just blocked the construction of a giant telescope

A rare total solar eclipse could be seen in the Arctic Ocean on March 20, 2015. Parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia could see a partial eclipse.

A rare total solar eclipse could be seen in the Arctic Ocean on March 20, 2015. Parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia could see a partial eclipse.

Source: Reuters

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And on September 27, the world saw its first supermoon lunar eclipse in 30 years. The moon turned red, which is normal for a lunar eclipse, but for this rare event, it was even bigger and brighter than usual.

And on September 27, the world saw its first supermoon lunar eclipse in 30 years. The moon turned red, which is normal for a lunar eclipse, but for this rare event, it was even bigger and brighter than usual.

Source: Awesome photos of Sunday night's rare super blood moon eclipse — there won't be another one until 2033, 18 stunning supermoon eclipse photos from around the world

The Perseid meteor shower is an annual summer event, but this year it coincided with a new moon so stargazers had a clear view of the shooting stars.

The Perseid meteor shower is an annual summer event, but this year it coincided with a new moon so stargazers had a clear view of the shooting stars.

Source: 18 stunning images of the Perseid meteor shower from around the world

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NASA released close-up photos of last year's massive Antares rocket explosion, which destroyed the rocket, the Cygnus spacecraft, and the 5,000 pounds of cargo inside.

NASA released close-up photos of last year's massive Antares rocket explosion, which destroyed the rocket, the Cygnus spacecraft, and the 5,000 pounds of cargo inside.

Source: See a rocket bound for space explode in these never-before-seen photos

The world's most powerful particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, came back online after a two-year hiatus to upgrade it to operate at twice the atom-smashing energies it reached before.

The world's most powerful particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, came back online after a two-year hiatus to upgrade it to operate at twice the atom-smashing energies it reached before.

Source: The world's most powerful particle accelerator is back online — and it's already surprising physicists

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NASA released images of what it looks like when a fighter jet breaks the sound barrier.

NASA released images of what it looks like when a fighter jet breaks the sound barrier.

Source: Here's what it looks like when a plane breaks the sound barrier

China made progress on its 1,640-ft. aperture spherical telescope under construction, which will be the largest in the world when it goes online in September 2016.

China made progress on its 1,640-ft. aperture spherical telescope under construction, which will be the largest in the world when it goes online in September 2016.

Source: Reuters

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In July, Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg flew Solar Impulse 2, an aircraft fueled solely by solar energy, across 5,000 miles in five-day non-stop journey — the longest solo flight ever.

In July, Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg flew Solar Impulse 2, an aircraft fueled solely by solar energy, across 5,000 miles in five-day non-stop journey — the longest solo flight ever.

Source: Inside the record-breaking attempt at taking a solar-powered plane that can fly forever on a trip around the world

Archaeologists discovered thousands of bones belonging to a previously unknown species, which they named Homo naledi. It was a predecessor to modern humans that walked upright, yet had a tiny brain.

Archaeologists discovered thousands of bones belonging to a previously unknown species, which they named Homo naledi. It was a predecessor to modern humans that walked upright, yet had a tiny brain.

Source: What scientists found deep inside a cave changes what we know about human evolution

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Hurricane season was relatively mild this year, though Hurricane Patricia was one of the strongest ever recorded. The storm hit Mexico in October, and miraculously only caused a handful of deaths.

Hurricane season was relatively mild this year, though Hurricane Patricia was one of the strongest ever recorded. The storm hit Mexico in October, and miraculously only caused a handful of deaths.

Sources: Hurricane Patricia is coming for Mexico as the strongest hurricane in history; Hurricane Patricia should be a 'Category 7' storm, says scientist, and here's why; Hurricane Patricia spared Mexico's cities and trashed remote areas instead

NASA photographed this algae bloom in Lake Erie from its Landsat 8 satellite this summer.

NASA photographed this algae bloom in Lake Erie from its Landsat 8 satellite this summer.

Source: NASA

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This April, the Calbuco volcano erupted in Chile for the first time since 1961, sending a plume of ash and smoke several miles up into the sky, and forcing everyone within a 6-mile radius of the volcano to evacuate.

This April, the Calbuco volcano erupted in Chile for the first time since 1961, sending a plume of ash and smoke several miles up into the sky, and forcing everyone within a 6-mile radius of the volcano to evacuate.

Global temperatures reached record highs in 2015, likely making it the hottest year on record (usurping 2014). Heat waves across Europe over the summer resulted in very crowded beaches.

Global temperatures reached record highs in 2015, likely making it the hottest year on record (usurping 2014). Heat waves across Europe over the summer resulted in very crowded beaches.

Source: 19 photos that show life around the world in the hottest month ever recorded

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Firefighter Patrick Hardison received the first successful face transplant in New York this August, in a surgery that lasted 26 hours.

Firefighter Patrick Hardison received the first successful face transplant in New York this August, in a surgery that lasted 26 hours.

Source: Firefighter receives first successful face transplant in New York

Researchers in China used the revolutionary (and controversial) gene-editing technique CRISPR Cas9 to edit beagle genomes in a first-of-its-kind experiment.

Researchers in China used the revolutionary (and controversial) gene-editing technique CRISPR Cas9 to edit beagle genomes in a first-of-its-kind experiment.

Sources: Scientists created the first genetically engineered dogs — and they are bizarrely muscular, The biggest scientific breakthrough of the year will reshape life as we know it

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In November, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first genetically modified animal you can eat: a fast-growing salmon.

In November, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first genetically modified animal you can eat: a fast-growing salmon.

Source: This genetically modified fish is coming to a grocery store near you

The US National Institutes of Health announced it was finally putting a stop to its research program on chimpanzees, and would relocate the 50 animals to sanctuaries.

The US National Institutes of Health announced it was finally putting a stop to its research program on chimpanzees, and would relocate the 50 animals to sanctuaries.

Source: The government is finally ending one of its most controversial research programs

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This image of a wild European hamster by Julian Rad won the 2015 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.

This image of a wild European hamster by Julian Rad won the 2015 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.

Source: These contest-winning images of funny animals will make your day better

Two young anglers in Greater Accra, Ghana carry fishing nets to their boat in this photo entered in the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest by Salvatore Valente.

Two young anglers in Greater Accra, Ghana carry fishing nets to their boat in this photo entered in the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest by Salvatore Valente.

Source: The 12 most stunning entries from the National Geographic photo contest

Visit the contest page here >

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A red fox pauses with a smaller fox in its mouth on the snow-covered tundra in Canada's Wapusk National Park in early winter. Photographer Don Gutoski won Wildlife Photographer of the Year for this shot.

A red fox pauses with a smaller fox in its mouth on the snow-covered tundra in Canada's Wapusk National Park in early winter. Photographer Don Gutoski won Wildlife Photographer of the Year for this shot.

Source: The 10 most incredible wildlife photos of the year

This eye of a honey bee covered in dandelion pollen, magnified 120 times, won this year's Nikon Small World contest.

This eye of a honey bee covered in dandelion pollen, magnified 120 times, won this year's Nikon Small World contest.

Sources: The 20 most incredible microscope photos of the year, 84 incredible microscope photos that will change how you see the world

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For the first time, this species of squid was observed in its natural habitat by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research vessel off the western coast of Hawaii.

For the first time, this species of squid was observed in its natural habitat by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research vessel off the western coast of Hawaii.

Source: Scientists just discovered a bunch of incredible creatures in the deep ocean

Megan Lorenz's photo of an Atlantic puffin in Newfoundland, Canada won her the grand prize in Nature’s Best Photography: Windland Smith Rice International Awards.

Megan Lorenz's photo of an Atlantic puffin in Newfoundland, Canada won her the grand prize in Nature’s Best Photography: Windland Smith Rice International Awards.

Source: These are some of the best wildlife pictures taken in the last 20 years

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NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter took this image that makes it look like the Earth is rising above the surface of the moon.

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter took this image that makes it look like the Earth is rising above the surface of the moon.

Source: NASA released a spectacular new image of the Earth from the moon

NASA and Japan combined its telescopes and spacecraft to capture this image of the sun, showing its flaring, active regions.

NASA and Japan combined its telescopes and spacecraft to capture this image of the sun, showing its flaring, active regions.

Source:Reuters

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The European Space Agency's Philae lander — the first space probe to ever land on a comet — transmitted its first signal this July after sitting dormant for over seven months. Shown here is the comet it landed on from its sister spacecraft, Rosetta.

The European Space Agency's Philae lander — the first space probe to ever land on a comet — transmitted its first signal this July after sitting dormant for over seven months. Shown here is the comet it landed on from its sister spacecraft, Rosetta.

Source: People are ecstatic about the momentous awakening of the first space probe to ever land a comet

In a phenomenon known as murmuration, migrating starlings fly in formation across the sky near the southern Israeli town of Rahat in February.

In a phenomenon known as murmuration, migrating starlings fly in formation across the sky near the southern Israeli town of Rahat in February.
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Some of the millions of flowers that bloom every year are seen at the world's largest flower garden Keukenhof park, also known as the Garden of Europe, located in The Netherlands.

Some of the millions of flowers that bloom every year are seen at the world's largest flower garden Keukenhof park, also known as the Garden of Europe, located in The Netherlands.

Source: Reuters

The Mount Sinabung volcano erupted in Indonesia this June, forcing over 10,000 people from 12 villages to leave their homes and move to refugee camps.

The Mount Sinabung volcano erupted in Indonesia this June, forcing over 10,000 people from 12 villages to leave their homes and move to refugee camps.

Source: Reuters

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Abigail, Britain's first named storm, churned up waves in November, and cut power to 12,000 homes.

Abigail, Britain's first named storm, churned up waves in November, and cut power to 12,000 homes.

Source: Reuters

Google released trippy images of what its artificial intelligence 'dreams' about when fed millions of photos.

Google released trippy images of what its artificial intelligence 'dreams' about when fed millions of photos.

Source: These trippy images show how Google's AI sees the world

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Photographer Ricardo Matiello took this incredible snap high above the clouds in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil on a rare, foggy day by flying his drone as high as he could before it disappeared into the fog.

Photographer Ricardo Matiello took this incredible snap high above the clouds in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil on a rare, foggy day by flying his drone as high as he could before it disappeared into the fog.

Source: These incredible award-winning pictures were taken by drones

Historic rainfall transformed the driest place on Earth, the Atacama Desert in Chile, into a flowering oasis known as "desierto florido."

Historic rainfall transformed the driest place on Earth, the Atacama Desert in Chile, into a flowering oasis known as "desierto florido."

Source: Historic rains transform the driest place on Earth into a floral oasis

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A capsule holding International Space Station crew members Barry Wilmore of the US, and Alexander Samokutyaev and Elena Serova of Russia descends above the clouds before landing in Kazakhstan this March.

A capsule holding International Space Station crew members Barry Wilmore of the US, and Alexander Samokutyaev and Elena Serova of Russia descends above the clouds before landing in Kazakhstan this March.

Source: Reuters

Finally, NASA released a new blue marble image, taken from 1 million miles away. Earth is just as gorgeous as it was when the first blue marble image was taken in 1972.

Finally, NASA released a new blue marble image, taken from 1 million miles away. Earth is just as gorgeous as it was when the first blue marble image was taken in 1972.

Source: NASA just released a brand new image of Earth from 1 million miles away, and it’s gorgeous

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