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Galileo observes moon
Galileo observed the moon through a refracting telescope and noted that the moon had surface characteristics such as craters and mountains. This event is important not only because of the discoveries made, but also because this was one of the first times a telescope was used to make astronomical discoveries. -
First reflecting telescope built
Sir Isaac Newton was the first on to build a reflecting telescope. These telescope are much lighter because the hold lightweight mirrors instead of heavy lenses. This allows these telescopes to be much lighter, and therefore much bigger, meaning more powerful so better observations can be made. -
Doppler Effect Discovered
This effect is very useful in measuring the speed of stars. The Doppler Effect states that, a star's color will shift slightly depending on the direction it is moving. This shift helps scientists discover how fast stars are moving away from us and helped us develop such theories as dark energy and the expanding universe. -
Edwin Hubble proves the theory of outside galaxies
Hubble discovered other galaxies by measuring variable stars in Andromeda. This discovery rewrote how we think about deep space and allowed for discoveries like the expanding universe and dark matter. -
Sputnik Launched
Sputnik was launched by the Russians. Not only was this satellite the first one in space, it also was a major event in the space race. Sputnik was the first satellite ever to be launched, and this triumph on the part of the Russians made Americans panic and helped to contribute to such events as the moon landing. -
Explorer 1 Launched
This was the first satellite the US ever launched in space. It's scientific discoveries were fairly few and unimportant, however, it's historical value was great. This satellite came at a time in the space race in which Russia was most defiantly ahead. It helped to reassure the American people and rallied support for the space program. -
First man in Space
Russia had the honor of putting the first man, Yuri Gagarin in space. The implications of this are pretty great. We now had the technology to put a human creature outside of the protection of our atmosphere. -
First American man in space
The Americans again proved that they could match Russia in the space race. They launched Alan Shepard into space, raising the American moral and proving that their research was a serious competition to Russia's. -
First men on moon
America had finally proven to the world that it's space technologies could and would beat Russia's. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the moon. Man had finally beaten the roughest elements nature could possibly throw at us. -
Voyagers Launched
The voyagers are probes that study the outer solar system. They are some of the only man made objects to pass the outer planets and contributed valuable information on all four. -
First Space Shuttle launched
This launch marked a new era in space exploration. We could now reuse space craft and carry heavier objects into space. This allowed for the launching of bigger satellites and even space stations. -
Challenger Disaster
This space shuttle exploded because of a loose O-ring. It helped to remind all of us of the dangers of space travel and is forever remembered as a national tragedy. -
Hubble put in orbit
Hubble is important because it continues to allow scientists to make discoveries. Things like the Hubble Deep Field provide so much information to scientists. Hubble has been an instrumental part of astronomy in the last two decades. -
First Exoplanet discovery
This discovery provides evidence that mankind is not alone in the world, that there are other living forms in this vast amount of space. -
ISS Launch
The ISS is a continued reader has falicity. It has been used to study the effects of long-term life in space and is a unique collaboration of many countries.
