Top 10 Most Fascinating Space Discoveries

This star has garnered significant attention due to unusual dimming patterns observed between 2015 and 2018. The dimming was so extreme that it sparked speculation about the presence of an alien megastructure, such as a Dyson Sphere, around the star. In 2018, NASA scientists reported that the dimming could be explained by dust clouds in the star's vicinity. Tabby's Star is located approximately 1,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Aquarius. The name 'Tabby's Star' was given to it due to its unusual behavior, which was discovered by astronomer Dr. Joshua Noll. Compared to other stars of similar size, Tabby's Star appears to be dimming much more rapidly.

This interstellar asteroid is the first known object of its kind to pass through our solar system. Discovered in 2017, it was initially thought to be a comet but further analysis revealed that it has a unique elongated shape and rotates around an axis aligned with its long axis. Oumuamua's composition is still unknown due to limited data during its close approach. The object passed within 26 AU of the Sun at approximately 22% of the speed of light, making it one of the fastest-moving objects in recorded history. First detected on October 19th, 2017, by the Pan-STARRS survey telescope in Hawaii. Compared to other asteroids, Oumuamua's unusual shape and movement make it a fascinating subject for scientific study.

NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has provided conclusive evidence of water on Mars since 2005, with images showing ancient riverbeds, lakebeds, and even deltas. In 2019, NASA's InSight lander confirmed that the Martian surface is dotted with 'recurring slope lineae', which are dark streaks formed by briny liquid flowing down Martian slopes during warm seasons. Water ice has been detected at the poles of Mars and also in mid-latitudes. Research suggests water on Mars may be a result of past volcanic activity, tidal heating, or seasonal changes. The presence of liquid water increases the likelihood of finding life on the Red Planet, making it a prime target for future exploration missions.

These brief and intense radio pulses originate from distant galaxies, typically within 3 billion light-years of Earth. In 2007, scientists discovered FRB 121102 in New Zealand, marking the beginning of a new era in astronomical research. The enigmatic nature of these events has led to speculation about their possible origins, including supernovae or advanced alien technology. Researchers have identified several key locations where FRBs originate and continue studying their properties. First detected on June 3rd, 2001, by the Parkes Radio Telescope in Australia.

This intriguing signal was discovered in 1977 by astronomer Jerry Ehman while searching for nearby stars using the Ohio State University Radio Telescope. Initially perceived as a possible transmission from an extraterrestrial civilization, scientists later concluded it might be caused by interference or instrumental error. Despite ongoing efforts to replicate the signal's properties, its exact origin remains unknown. Researchers are also seeking similar signals in current searches for intelligent life beyond our solar system. First detected on August 15th, 1977, and documented in a journal article in The Astrophysical Journal.

Located approximately 111 light-years from Earth in the constellation Leo, this exoplanet orbits a small, cool star. Researchers discovered that K2-18b may harbor liquid water beneath its surface due to tidal heating effects caused by its eccentric orbit. This makes it one of the first potentially habitable worlds discovered outside our solar system. First detected on September 12th, 2015, in NASA's Kepler Space Telescope data archives.

Part of Saturn's A ring system, this notable division separates the ring into two distinct sections: an inner ring and a central void. Astronomers have proposed several theories explaining its formation, ranging from gravitational effects due to nearby moons to tidal heating by the planet's magnetic field. Researchers continue studying the Cassini Division for clues about Saturn's internal structure and evolution. First observed in 1850 by William Lassell using a telescope in Australia.

Named after NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, the TESS space telescope is designed to search for small exoplanets using the transit method. The primary mirror of TESS has a diameter of approximately 20 inches (50 cm), while its segmented optics allow it to study small and cool stars. Aboard an onboard science instrument suite that includes a spectrograph and magnetometer, TESS is studying millions of stars in the Southern Hemisphere. First detected on December 21st, 2018, and fully operational by February 2020.

With a diameter spanning approximately 1,000 AU, this emission nebula takes its name from the sound it produces when viewed at an angle of about 50 degrees. Located in the constellation Pegasus and lying near hot stars to facilitate electron cloud collision, creating these beautiful cosmic phenomena. Using a wide-angle, high-resolution camera to capture images, scientists are studying the dynamics within Boomerang Nebulae for insights into star formation processes. Formed from swept up stellar material after nearby supernovae explosions.

In 1972, NASA launched the Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 spacecraft on a joint mission to explore Jupiter's moons. Initially traveling at incredible speeds, scientists detected an unexpected deceleration by 1982 that suggested something was amiss with our understanding of gravity in the universe. Researchers have been working to determine the source of this phenomenon, which could reveal unknown effects from dark matter, general relativistic tidal forces, or yet another unforeseen factor affecting interstellar space. By studying anomalies like this one, scientists are refining theories about gravity.