2021 Xmas Special

We defer our usual Xmas frivolity to go to NASA’s coverage of
Elon Musk’s Penetrating Explorer Neo Insertion System rocket
delivering NASA’s Advanced Solar System probe to Uranus and look
back at the astronomy and space exploration highlights of 2021:


The first detection of an exoplanet in another galaxy, the
first exomoon and the most abundant stars perhaps being habitable
hosts

A great alignment of planets in the sky for backyard
astronomers

NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter on Mars

The advances in China’s space programme

The seismic shift in American commercial spaceflight



 


We then look forward to the anticipated highlights of 2022:


For astronomers, the moon will be passing in front of planets
and bright star Porrima

Artemis 1 should kickstart NASA’s return to the moon

SpaceX tests at Boca Chca should put of a show whatever the
results



 


But remember y’all, Christmas is all about the children. And
space. But mostly the children. Who are our future. In space.
With children.