To recap 2021, NewsForKids.net is taking a look back at some of the most interesting stories we’ve covered this year. Today we’re looking at some incredible stories from the world of science.
Published in “Technology”
Three years after NASA launched its Parker Solar Probe, the probe has become the first human spacecraft to "touch" the Sun. The probe first flew through the Sun's outer atmosphere, or "corona" in April.
Last Friday, the first train took off on a new $6 billion railway in Laos. The government hopes the system will help improve the situation for the country's businesses and people. But many people question whether Laos can afford the railway.
On Friday, the World Health Organization released information on a new version of the virus that causes Covid-19. The new variant, which has been named "Omicron", was first spotted in South Africa. Countries around the world are now racing to prepare for Omicron.
Last Thursday, the world's first self-driving, electric container ship made its first trip to Oslo, Norway. The ship's owners aim to cut pollution by moving large amounts of products by water on the southern coast of Norway instead of by truck.
Last week, Russia used a missile to destroy a satellite, sending thousands of pieces of the satellite flying through space. Russia's actions have put astronauts and spacecraft in greater danger. They have also caused serious concerns back on Earth.
On October 23, race cars at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway zipped around the track at high speeds - with no one driving them. The race was an international contest for the fastest self-driving car, with a $1 million prize.
In today's news roundup, Barbados elects its first president ever, a computer attack hits gas stations across Iran, and Japan's Princess Mako gives up being a princess to marry her college sweetheart.
In an earlier article, NFK looked at a kind of digital money called a cryptocurrency. The article explored the popular cryptocurrency Bitcoin, and how it works. Today, NFK looks at some of the serious problems related to Bitcoin.
Scientists have attached the kidney of a specially grown pig to a human body and found that it worked without problems. Though much is still unknown, the news is a huge step forward for tens of thousands of patients with kidney trouble.
On Saturday, NASA launched a special spacecraft called Lucy. Lucy will take a 12-year trip to learn more about a group of asteroids known as the Trojans. Scientists believe the asteroids will provide information on the beginning of the solar system.