Top astronomy events in 2023

YANG Jun; ZHAO Tong; SONG Yujia; GOU Lijun

doi:10.3981/j.issn.1000-7857.2024.01.004

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Science & Technology Review ›› 2024, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (1) : 72-86. DOI: 10.3981/j.issn.1000-7857.2024.01.004

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Top astronomy events in 2023

Author information -

1. National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100012, China;
2. School of Astronomy and Space Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

Abstract

This article reviews the major achievements and advances made in the field of astronomy in 2023. The James Webb Space Telescope produced many new discoveries and provided important data on many aspects, such as galaxy formation and exoplanet exploration. The ultra-high sensitivity of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope(FAST) allowed it to obtain sufficiently accurate data in a short period of time and become the first to detect a key evidence of nanohertz gravitational waves. The Euclid telescope was launched and sent back the first batch of images, took over the baton from the Planck satellite and continued to explore dark energy and dark matter of the universe. The Wide Field Survey Telescope(WFST)was put into operation, providing new support for optical time-domain survey in the Northern Hemisphere. The results of the asteroid impact experiment were released, providing an empirical basis for the future planetary defense plan. Lunar exploration fever was once again sweeping the world, and India became the fourth country to successfully land on the lunar surface.Observations discovered more new exoplanets and expanded our understanding of the universe. The publication of global images of Mars and launching probes into Jupiter's icy moons brought new progress to the scientific research of our solar system. Highresolution and panoramic images of black holes were released, providing a new perspective for understanding the complex structures around black holes. The age of the universe was questioned, the actual age might be doubled.

Key words

astronomy / space telescope / lunar exploration / asteroids / black hole

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YANG Jun, ZHAO Tong, SONG Yujia, GOU Lijun. Top astronomy events in 2023[J]. Science & Technology Review, 2024, 42(1): 72-86 https://doi.org/10.3981/j.issn.1000-7857.2024.01.004

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