With a total solar eclipse, a rocket throw-and-catch, and a helicopter flying on Mars, this has been a year to remember. As the year comes to a close, I want to take a quick look back at some of the highlights of 2024.
Total Eclipse in North America
By far the biggest astronomical event this year was the total solar eclipse over Mexico, USA and Canada on 8th April 2024, with around 40-50 million people directly experiencing the total eclipse [1].
Here in the UK, we have quite a wait for our next total eclipse (it's not until the year 2090!). However, a major eclipse with 90-95% coverage of the sun (depending where you are in the UK) is coming up sooner, on 12th August 2026. [3]
Space programmes
2024 saw no less than four test launches of SpaceX's Starship rocket, including one test featuring an impressive booster catch after launch. [4]
On 18th January 2024, NASA's Mars Ingenuity Helicopter made its 72nd and final flight - completing the mission of the first aircraft ever flown on another planet. Originally expected to perform just 5 flights over 30 days, Ingenuity's 3-year mission achieved far more than anyone had expected. [5]
Also, on 20th September 2024, the James Webb Space Telescope reached the milestone of 1000 days in space.
Highlights at Astro Printer
2024 saw Astro Printer receive 100% positive reviews [6], reflecting my commitment to providing top quality products and customer service.
New Products
This year saw me add a couple of items to my product range:
The Tri-Bahtinov mask, a custom-made mask and cover set used for both focussing and collimating telescopes.
A JWST keyring, designed at a 1:1000 scale to the James Webb Space Telescope to celebrate it reaching 1000 days in space.
I have a number of ideas currently in development, so keep an eye out for more new products to be launched throughout 2025!
To all customers, thank you for your support in 2024!
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