Discoveries of the Decade : The past decade has been a time of incredible scientific discoveries and advancements. From the first image of a black hole to the first human gene editing, scientists have made some astonishing breakthroughs. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 groundbreaking scientific discoveries of the decade. From the detection of gravitational waves to the discovery of thousands of exoplanets, these discoveries have revolutionized our understanding of the universe and opened up an exciting new world of possibilities. We’ll take a look at the science behind these discoveries and the impact they’ve had on the world. Join us as we explore the top 10 breakthrough scientific discoveries of the decade.
1) Discovery of Gravitational Waves
Gravitational waves were first predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916. For a century, scientists believed they would never be able to prove their existence. However, on February 11, 2016, they finally got their breakthrough. Gravitational waves were first discovered by LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory). LIGO is a network of two highly sensitive instruments that are used to detect gravitational waves.
Gravitational waves are created by colliding bodies in space such as black holes, supernovas, or neutron stars. Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time produced by such events. LIGO is used to measure the distortions produced by the passing gravitational waves in the fabric of space-time. On February 11, LIGO detected a passing gravitational wave from colliding black holes.
2) Discovery of Thousands of Exoplanets
Exoplanets are planets that orbit other stars than the Sun. We’ve now discovered thousands of these exoplanets and many of them may be able to support life. On October 19, 2016, NASA launched their Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). TESS is a space telescope that is used to find new exoplanets. It is the continuation of a project that began in the 1990s.
Furthermore, on February 23, 2018, the satellite detected the most exoplanets ever found by a single telescope in a single day. This discovery will help us find out if there are other planets in the universe that could support life.
3) Detection of Proxima Centauri
Proxima Centauri is a red dwarf star that is the closest star to our solar system. In August 2016, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) discovered that there is a planet orbiting Proxima Centauri. This discovery is significant because Proxima Centauri is the closest star to our solar system. It is 4.2 light years away from Earth. This planet is also in the “habitable zone” of its star. This means that it is not too hot or too cold for liquid water to exist on the planet’s surface. The liquid water could be an indication that life could exist on this planet.
4) Discovery of the Higgs Boson Particle
The Higgs boson particle is a particle that has existed since the beginning of time. It is the particle that gives all matter its mass. Scientists are still not exactly sure why it exists, but they know how to find it. In July 2012, scientists at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) announced they had found the elusive Higgs boson particle. This discovery was a breakthrough in the study of particle physics. It helped us understand how the universe is held together. This discovery was a significant one because it confirmed one of the most important scientific theories of all time. It showed that we are beginning to understand the nature of the universe.
5) Mapping of the Human Genome
The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international research project that was created in the 1990s. Its goal was to map the entire human genome. In 2001, the project was completed and it resulted in one of the most important discoveries of the past century. The HGP was a breakthrough because it revealed the genetic makeup of humans.
It provided a detailed map of every gene in our DNA that affects our health and appearance. Many researchers have used this information to find ways to treat diseases. The HGP is significant because it has had a huge impact on healthcare and the way we treat diseases. It has reduced the cost of genetic testing, led to new discoveries in genetics, and has helped doctors create better medical treatments.
6) Discovery of a New Form of Ice
In August 2011, scientists discovered a new form of ice in the Gulf of California. This ice, known as “ETH-ice,” is a new form of water ice that is more crumpled than regular ice. It was discovered when samples were pulled up from the Gulf of California. Scientists had never seen this form of ice before. It is believed to be one of the purest forms of water ice ever discovered.
This discovery was significant because ETH-ice could be used in a variety of scientific fields. It could be used in the study of climate change, in weather forecasting, and in the development of new technologies. It could also be used to address environmental problems and help protect the planet. ETH-ice could have many applications in different fields.
Conclusion
These discoveries have revolutionized our understanding of the universe and opened up an exciting new world of possibilities. They have changed the way we understand the universe and our place in it. They have also provided new ways to study and treat diseases. These discoveries will continue to shape our future and transform the way we live and interact with the world.