This year, the scientific community praised various research achievements, including an antiviral injection that blocks AIDS by 99.9%, soil from the far side of the moon brought to Earth for the first time, a cell therapy that showed therapeutic effects on various autoimmune diseases, and galaxies from the early universe discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope. However, what caught the public's attention was not the papers but the photos.
The international journal Nature selected and announced the best science images of 2024 capturing moments from around the Earth and space, including a total solar eclipse that captivated people’s eyes on the 13th (local time), penguins leaping into the sea without hesitation from a massive chunk of ice, and Earth’s aurora observed from the International Space Station. Perhaps a single photo may have served as a catalyst for comprehensive support for science.
◇ Cosmic shows that shook the Earth
The best scientific photo of the year was chosen by the Nature Visual Team. First, photos capturing this year's most captivating cosmic shows were selected.
In April, a total solar eclipse occurred across North America, during which the sun appeared to vanish. A total solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth align perfectly, resulting in the sun being obscured from view by the moon. Nature also selected the image of the sun still partially visible behind the Washington Monument during the event and the crowd cheering at the total solar eclipse as one of the best scientific photos.
A photo of the Perseids meteor shower crossing the sky over Stonehenge in England was also included among the best scientific photos. Every year, people witness the mesmerizing sight of meteors pouring down over prehistoric pillars as Comet Swift-Tuttle passes by Earth. Astronomical photographer Josh Dury captured this spectacle over 3 hours and combined 43 images of the meteor, Stonehenge, and the Milky Way.
There were also those who observed the cosmic shows from space. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced the aurora viewed from the International Space Station in July. The aurora appeared in red and green in Earth's upper atmosphere.
Auroras occur when high-energy particles from the sun collide with atoms or molecules in Earth's atmosphere, producing light. At altitudes of 100 to 200 kilometers where auroras primarily occur, oxygen atoms emit strong green and red colors, while ionized nitrogen molecules emit blue hues. A photo taken by NASA's Juno spacecraft above Jupiter gives the impression of swirling on the surface.
◇ The beauty of life from viruses to fossils
Nature also selected the beauty of life found all over the Earth as one of the best scientific photos. A color microscopic photo taken by McMaster University in Canada shows a bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria, resembling a cluster of flowers.
A photo of a mini organoid made from human pluripotent colon cells also caught attention. The metabolic enzyme MTHFD2 was stained red. Scientists discovered that metabolic enzymes involved in energy production and nucleotide synthesis also play crucial roles in regulating important functions like cell division within the nucleus.
The photo of the peacock jumping into the ocean, awarded in the Nikon Small World Photography Competition this year, looks as if it is preparing for a boxing match while wearing gloves. Another photo also received awards at the competition, depicting a seagull riding on the back of a sea turtle off the coast of Menorca, Spain.
Photos of bones were also selected as the best scientific photos. One image shows a paleontologist sitting next to a large fossil holding a small fossil. It resembles a dinosaur but is actually a reptile called Prestosuchus chiniquensis that lived 237 million years ago. Prestosuchus means 'swift crocodile.' The fossil the paleontologist is holding is one of the oldest reptile fossils.
The underwater whale graveyard, which won an award at the Underwater Photographer of the Year competition, was also selected as a top photo. The image creates an eerie atmosphere reminiscent of an alien planet. In reality, the whale bones were not left by natural causes but were captured by humans. Nature stated that this photo, taken under the harshest conditions, perfectly captures the sad fate of the whale.
◇ Scenes of animal survival struggles
Nevertheless, animals continue to struggle for survival. The struggle is reality. This year, over 80% of Kenya's drylands were submerged by heavy rains, affecting over 1.5 million people. The same applies to wildlife.
The photo, a finalist in this year's BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition, captures a Southeast African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) swept downstream while trying to cross a river in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The photo titled 'Furry Mountaineer' captures a stoat (Mustela erminea) climbing between rocks. It received high acclaim at this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition held at the Natural History Museum in London.
The stoat attempted to catch its prey despite the challenging position but ultimately missed the target. However, it was said to have leaped again and raced along the sheer cliff.
The determination of the Antarctic penguins is as great as that of the stoat. For the first time, photos captured chicks of the emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) jumping off a 15-meter-high cliff at the edge of the Ekström Ice Shelf.
Additionally, in April, the eruption of Mount Etna in Italy created a rare 'smoke ring,' which was also selected as one of the top photos. This ring, known as a volcanic vortex ring, is formed when gas escapes through a newly formed crater.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo announced a face mask made from human skin tissue in June, which garnered attention. The face mask was created for attachment to a robot.
Reference materials
Nature (2024), https://www.nature.com/immersive/d41586-024-03969-z/index.html