By Raza Mehdi
Dec 26, 2022
In May, scientists revealed the first image of a black hole at the centre of our galaxy called Sagittarius A*. The image was produced by a global research team called the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration, using observations from a worldwide network of radio telescopes.
Image of a black hole captured
A bacteria was identified that could be seen without a microscope, questioning the scientific description that bacteria are microscopic. On average, the species named as Thiomargarita Magnifica grows to 0.35 inches in length. Although discovered in 2009, researchers took time to establish that it was a species of bacteria because of its huge size.
World's largest bacteria revealed
Hailed as a significant win in history, a spacecraft from Earth crashed into an asteroid to prevent it from hitting Earth. Known as the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), it was a successfully conducted test by NASA.
NASA smashes a spacecraft into an asteroid
Scientists uncovered the first known remains of a Neanderthal clan in a cave in Russia in October. The findings led to extensive genetic studies of a Neanderthal lineage — including a family of a father and daughter. Scientists believe these 11 Neanderthals died at the same time 54,000 years ago, possibly from starvation.
Neanderthals Family Found in Russian Cave
In October 2022, Rishi Sunak became the prime minister of the UK - the fifth PM in six years. It was the fastest turnover of leaders in the UK for nearly a century. Rishi Sunak also scripted history by becoming the first British Prime Minister of Indian descent.
UK gets its first Indian-origin PM
The world's population reached 8 billion on November 15, with India being the largest contributor to the milestone, according to the United Nations. India added 177 million to the final score. In 2023, India is expected to surpass China as the world's most populous nation.
World population crosses 8 billion
The longest-serving British monarch died on September 8 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Her death ended the longest reign in the history of the United Kingdom. Her eldest son and the former Prince of Wales, Charles, was anointed as King upon her death.
Queen Elizabeth II passes away
Stéphanie Frappart of France became the first woman lead referee at a men's World Cup match to officiate a game between Costa Rica and Germany in Qatar in December. She was joined by Neuza Back of Brazil and Karen Diaz Medina of Mexico, the all-woman referee team in the men's World Cup game.
Women referee at men's World Cup
Microplastic pollution has been detected in human blood for the first time in history. Scientists found tiny particles of plastic in nearly 80% of the people tested. The discovery shows the particles can travel around the body and lodge in our organs. But the impact on health is still unknown.
Plastics detected in human blood
Lionel Messi led his country to World Cup victory for the first time in his illustrious career after Argentina beat France at Qatar 2022 in the greatest World Cup finals ever. Messi scored twice as Argentina won 3-3 AET (4-2 on penalties), despite France scoring 2-0 down under ten minutes.
Messi wins world cup for Argentina