Dazzling Aurora Borealis

On October 10, 2024, residents of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island were treated to an extraordinary show of the Aurora Borealis, triggered by a severe geomagnetic storm. This spectacular phenomenon occurred as a result of a coronal mass ejection from the Sun colliding with Earth's magnetic field. Such storms not only brighten the northern skies but can extend the viewable area of auroras much farther south than usual.

Thacker described the experience, saying, "It was truly amazing... a very specific transition of the oxygen atom made it phenomenal." Many took to social media to share their colorful photographs of the skies lit up with greens, reds, pinks, and purples. This breathtaking celestial display was also witnessed in the Maritimes earlier in the year, further highlighting the enchantments of 2024.

Starliner Misadventures

In June, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore embarked on Boeing's inaugural astronaut flight to the International Space Station. Initially intended as a short ten-day mission, unforeseen complications turned their space adventure into an extended stay of nearly nine months.

“This has been a difficult year for Boeing," Thacker noted. With the return mission for the troubled Starliner capsule delayed, the astronauts faced an unplanned prolongation of their orbital endeavors. They are now on track to return by the end of March or early April 2025, adding yet another layer to the complexities of human spaceflight.

Rocket Launches Hit New Heights

2024 was nothing short of a landmark year for rocket launches, with an impressive 250 missions taking place—the highest record yet. This was a significant increase from 211 launches in 2023, sparking comparisons to the height of the space race in the 1960s and 70s.

Thacker emphasized the importance of this growth, stating, “We’ve gone from maybe a thousand satellites to nearly 10,000 in orbit. This has transformed our access to space." However, he also highlighted concerns about sustainability and the environmental impact of this hyper-activity in the cosmos.

James Webb Telescope's Revelatory Insight

In 2024, the James Webb Space Telescope delivered awe-inspiring images of the Pillars of Creation, a star-forming region nestled within the Eagle Nebula. Captured initially by Hubble in 1995, the Webb telescope's new images provided an unprecedented level of detail, revealing the intricate structures of dust and stars.

"James Webb is really suited for seeing all of the dust," Thacker explained, showcasing Webb's ability to penetrate through obscuring materials to observe the genesis of new stars. This reinvigoration of beloved astronomical imagery underlines the technological advancements in space observation.

Total Solar Eclipse: A Celestial Showcase

April 8, 2024, marked a significant date in the astronomical calendar as thousands gathered across the Maritimes to witness a breathtaking total solar eclipse—a spectacle that won't grace the region again until 2079. With total darkness enveloping the area for up to three minutes and 20 seconds, onlookers were left mesmerized by the sight of the moon completely obscuring the sun.

Thacker encapsulated the experience: "To see the bright ball in the sky suddenly go dark and the ghost of the sun's corona appear was just spectacular." This unforgettable moment bonded strangers as they collectively gasped in wonder at the marvel unfolding in the sky.

As 2024 comes to a close, we can only imagine what cosmic wonders await us in the future. The universe continues to surprise and inspire, reminding us of our place in this vast expanse of space.