10. Gangnam Style goes viral: The South Korean rapper Psy sparked a global craze with the video for Gangnam Style, a playful take on Seoul’s Gangnam district paired with Psy’s signature dance. The infectious groove and visuals captured the internet’s imagination and set viewing records on YouTube. Today the clip has amassed hundreds of millions of views and continues to attract new fans across North America.
9. Discovery shuttle retired: The space shuttle Discovery completed its final flight, riding piggyback on a Boeing carrier from Florida to Washington, D.C. It now rests in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum as a testament to nearly three decades of space exploration and discovery.
8. Obama re-elected: The United States held a closely watched presidential race in which Barack Obama was re-elected to a second term, defeating Mitt Romney. The campaign touched on broad discussions about health care reform and the role of government in advancing public welfare, with the outcome shaping policy directions for years to come.
7. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: Queen Elizabeth II marked 60 years on the throne with a Diamond Jubilee celebration in London. She joined a small group of monarchs who have reached this milestone, underscoring the enduring legacy of Britain’s constitutional monarchy.
6. Solar Eclipse: The year featured two solar eclipses, one in May and another in November. Modern technology allowed these events to be streamed live, letting people around the world enjoy the spectacle safely online instead of risking a dangerous gaze at the sun.
5. Summer Olympics: The Games were held in London and showcased spectacular athletic performances, world records, and stories of perseverance. Canada and other nations celebrated medals and memorable moments that resonated with fans worldwide.
4. Higgs boson discovery: The Higgs boson, a fundamental particle long theorized by physicists, was confirmed in July. This breakthrough helps explain how particles acquire mass and marks a milestone in understanding the structure of the universe.
3. Transit of Venus: The century’s second transit took place in June, when Venus briefly crossed between Earth and the Sun. It offered a striking view for observers and photographers, a reminder that celestial events still inspire awe; the next transit will occur in December 2117.
2. Curiosity lands on Mars: NASA’s Curiosity rover touched down on the red planet in a dramatic entry, descent, and landing sequence. The mission aims to assess past habitability and has since sent back compelling color imagery from Mars, broadening our view of the solar system.
1. Felix Baumgartner jumps to Earth from Space: In October, Felix Baumgartner became the first person to jump from space and the first to break the sound barrier in free fall. The daring descent was watched by millions and highlighted the human drive to push limits and explore beyond the edge of our world.
Did your favourite moment make it onto the list? Share thoughts in the comments.