It is a great time to be alive if you, like me, get excited by the wonders of space. Last year saw a slew of launches that pushed the frontiers of what humanity can do outside the bounds of Earth’s atmosphere. Missions in the coming months are set to move well past the accomplishments of 2021.

Chris Impey is an astronomer at the University of Arizona who has written about what a space-faring human civilization may look like. Dreams of lunar bases and Martian cities, finding life on Jupiter’s moons and understanding the deep origins of the universe itself may once have seemed far-fetched, but there will be concrete steps – and some results – toward each of these goals in 2022. In his article, Impey highlights some of the exciting missions to watch for.

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Daniel Merino

Assistant Science Editor & Co-Host of The Conversation Weekly Podcast

2022 is set to be humanity’s busiest year in space. CSA Images via Getty Images

A lunar return, a Jupiter moon, the most powerful rocket ever built and the James Webb Space Telescope – space missions to watch in the coming months

Chris Impey, University of Arizona

With about 200 orbital launches scheduled and ambitious missions on everything from lunar bases to the search for life in the works, there’s a lot to watch in 2022. An astronomer explains the highlights.

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  • 5 tips to help preschoolers with special needs during the pandemic

    Michele L. Stites, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Susan Sonnenschein, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    The pandemic and shifts to virtual learning have set many children back academically. The setbacks can be particularly challenging for children with disabilities, but recovery is possible.

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The Conversation Quiz 🧠

About how many cooperative observers send weather data to the National Weather Service?

  1. 3,100
  2. 4,600
  3. 8,700
  4. 10,500
Click here for the answer.

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