Science

The year in space: Rodeo-riding a comet and more

In 2014, humanity tagged a comet and became better acquainted with Mars and our place in the universe. Take a tour through the year in space.

Eric Mack Contributing Editor

Eric Mack has been a CNET contributor since 2011. Eric and his family live 100% energy and water independent on his off-grid compound in the New Mexico desert. Eric uses his passion for writing about energy, renewables, science and climate to bring educational content to life on topics around the solar panel and deregulated energy industries. Eric helps consumers by demystifying solar, battery, renewable energy, energy choice concepts, and also reviews solar installers. Previously, Eric covered space, science, climate change and all things futuristic. His encrypted email for tips is ericcmack@protonmail.com.

Expertise Solar, solar storage, space, science, climate change, deregulated energy, DIY solar panels, DIY off-grid life projects. CNET's "Living off the Grid" series. https://www.cnet.com/feature/home/energy-and-utilities/living-off-the-grid/ Credentials

Finalist for the Nesta Tipping Point prize and a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

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Eric Mack

Dec. 20, 2014 8:00 a.m. PT

Kepler kept on truckin' and finding new exoplanets throughout 2014. NASA Ames/JPL-Caltech/T Pyle

By now you've probably heard about the little probe that landed on the surface of a distant comet (after a few bounces), but there were many great milestones in space exploration in 2014.

As I write this, we're aware of 22 planets beyond our solar system where scientists think conditions might exist to host life, organic molecules have just been confirmed on Mars, and planning is under way for multiple new missions to the moon.

I went through the dozens of new discoveries, revelations, missions and a few mishaps to pull together a gallery of the 14 biggest space stories of 2014. Check them out below and let us know in the comments what you're looking forward to in 2015.

Top great space moments in 2014 (pictures)

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