The most thrilling and most keenly observed scientific achievement of the year 2020 has to be the development of the coronavirus vaccine. However, that does not dim the shine of the other breakthrough discoveries and scientific moments that this year has witnessed – right from the discovery of hidden lakes on Mars to scientists finding out that there may be millions of potential habitable planets in the universe. Let us take a look at some more of such incredible scientific discoveries and achievements made in 2020.
COVID-19 research and vaccine: In a span of less than 12 months, coronavirus researchers have been able to sequence the novel coronavirus’ genome, understand the nature of the infection and how it affects the human body, and even developed COVID-19 vaccines that are now being administered across a host of nations. This was the first time ever in the history of mankind that a vaccine was developed this fast.
Hidden lakes on Mars: Scientists believe the presence of water has a direct correlation with habitability. On that note, we come to another remarkable scientific discovery made in 2020 – three hidden lakes on Mars. This means, even though the red Planet looks uninhabitable, it might actually have supported life. The three lakes that were buried under the surface of Mars are spread over 75,000 square kilometres approximately – that would be as large as a small country.
Another Martian discovery would be evidence confirming that water was present on Mars much before we thought it was – which is around 4.4 billion years ago.
New organ discovered in human body: Researchers in The Netherlands accidentally discovered a new organ in the human body. They chanced upon a set of salivary glands that were hitherto unknown. These went unnoticed for years as they are deep set in the upper part of the throat.
Closest ever images of the Sun: US space agency NASA and the European Space Agency launched the Solar Orbiter in February 2020, which sent back the closest images ever taken of the Sun. For the first time, these images showed how miniature solar flares are always burning everywhere on the surface of the Sun.
300 million habitable planets in Milky Way alone: Research revealed almost half of the Sun-like stars in the Milky Way galaxy could have habitable planets in their solar systems. Which means there could be almost 300 million habitable planets inside our galaxy alone. Meanwhile, another study revealed that there are 24 planets that may be more habitable than Earth. These more ‘liveable’ planets are older, larger, and warmer than the Earth.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
