This 2019, there were major stories in science and environment that made an impact on scientists and ordinary people. All these events are footnote that everyone will remember as firsts, especially when amazing events are just coming soon. Nothing is ever expected, but the surprises will have more impact on everyone.
1. Pro-environment issues went global in 2019.
This year environmental concerns shot to the top concern of most individuals as Greta Thunberg made sharp statements against industrialized nations who showed indifference. Theme of the protest is lessening carbon emissions and industries driving to zero carbon footprint to stave off environment decimation.
2. Interstellar ring of fire showed a black hole in action.
What could not be more amazing than getting an image of a black hole spewing photons and shining like a red halo in the blackness of space. In April, stargazers released the first real image of a black hole that ate up light and never let it escape. Made possible by linking eight telescopes and taking a picture of it, at the same time. From the description from astronomers, they say this is one big one and immense too.
3. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) declare major threats on land and seas.
Highlighted by the report is how bad the current ravaging of the land and seas are taking its toll on the planet. Hinting at catastrophic consequences if there is no change in these activities, one of the major stress is its contribution to the worsening of global entropy that should be corrected now not later.
4. Outer space fly-by made on MU 69 by New Horizons spacecraft.
Humanity has sent another envoy to meet objects in space since the technology became available. The New Horizons space-vehicle was sent out to check out MU69 and the Kuiper Belt. It was a technical feat for scientists to explore place within the solar system, giving humanity a chance as first visitors to this part of the solar system.
5. Ice melt in Greenland is more than usual affecting the ocean.
The ice is melting due to increased heat that is unprecedented because it is not supposed to happen in most lifetimes of this generation. Seas are the lungs of the planet and the balance of hot and cold is crucial for the surrounding biosphere. As of late, ice melt raised sea levels by more than millimeter.
7. Increased use of sulphur hexafluoride will spawn problems in the future.
Carbon emissions are not the only gas to worry about, there is sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) that makes other greenhouse gases look like laughing gas. Used to prevent occurrences of short circuits in electric and circuit breaker is often overlooked, but might come back to bite back.
8. Quantum machine computing is at its dawn, expect better computers coming.
Make way for smaller supercomputers called quantum machines that will fuel the next computer evolution. They will drive technology and applications at fast speeds when fully realized.
9. Skywatch for potential planets killers roaming this part of space, within the solar system.
Not fiction but reality as most people on earth do not know that planet killers are out there. One of them exploded over Russia's remote Kamchatka Peninsula and gave a light show. Space agencies and observatories are looking to the sky or else one strike will end men like the dinosaurs.
All these events are but a footnote, the coming year will bring more amazing events in science and environment. Future is never set and everyone will be part of it, so sit back and hold tight.
Related Article: The big science and environment stories of 2019
