Let’s be honest, 2017 was a roller coaster. In 12 months we saw the first year of the Trump Administration unfold, the largest American mass shooting in recent history, and an astronomically destructive hurricane season. While 2017 sometimes made it hard to remember there is still some good in the world, the year also gave us many reasons to smile.
1. Scientists found a viable planet for alien life
No kidding. An exoplanet named LHS 1140b was discovered in July that could possibly host life! Although this exoplanet is 40 million light years away, it is within the habitable zone of its star, LHS 1140, making it a candidate worth further investigation.
2. Manatees are no longer endangered!
More manatees in the world? This calls for celebration.
3. SpaceX’s relaunchable rocket
In March, SpaceX relaunched and re-landed their previously used orbital rocket, Falcon 9. This is a major feat because it indicates a future of lower-cost space travel.
4. The #MeToo movement
This year, the magnitude of sexual assault in the United States came to light. I applaud the men and women who spoke up and everyone else who has stood with them in support of their boldness.
5. Lives were saved with an App
The Cajun Navy came to Houston’s rescue in the wake of Hurricane Harvey using the Zello app, a digital citizen’s radio app, and their fleet of motor boats to save those stranded. The Cajun Navy was created in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana, and the good Samaritans of the Cajun Navy brought their boats down to New Orleans and saved thousands of lives while there. Their work in Houston was no different, and they said it was repayment for the love Houston showed Louisiana in 2005.
6. Prince Harry got engaged to Meghan Markle.
Y’all. We’re going to have an American princess! How cool is that?
7. Women in Saudi Arabia are now allowed to drive
The Saudi government lifted the ban on women driving in September. Saudi women currently spend most of their salaries on drivers, and the Saudi government’s hope is that lifting the ban will help their economy. The ban will be lifted this June.
8. The Houston Astros won the World Series
Houston deserved it. Enough said.
9. The Solar Eclipse
For a moment we were all able to witness the incredible workings of our universe with our own eyes (and UV protection glasses). Plus, we’ll get to do it again in 2024!
10. 80 people saved nine from drowning
Beach-goers in Florida created an eighty-person chain to save nine stranded people swept up in a strong ocean current. They passed the people down the chain with a surfboard until all nine were safely back on the beach.
11. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge worked!
Remember in 2014 when we all dumped buckets of ice water on our heads to raise money for ALS? Guess what, our efforts and Instagram posts paid off! Israeli scientists have found a way to restore the nervous system’s immune defense by halting the increased activity of glial cells in the brain. What makes this discovery even more interesting is the implications it has on the life expectancy of people not only with ALS, but other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
12. Southwest Airline’s Puppy Plane
While Hurricane Harvey ravaged through Houston, the number of pets stranded in overcrowded shelters grew, so Southwest Airlines came to their aid. With their mission dubbed “Operation Pets Alive,” Southwest Airlines flew more than 60 puppies from Houston to safety in San Diego.
13. Lunch Bunch
Finding friends in the cafeteria during lunch in high school was nothing less than stressful, but high school students in Florida created a club called We Dine Together to ensure no one in their lunchroom ever eats alone.
14. Two Congressmen from opposing parties took a road trip together
In our political world where partisanship is heavily emphasized, two Texas congressmen, Republican Representative Will Hurd and Democrat Representative Beto O'Rourke, enjoyed a 1,600 mile road trip to Washington D.C. together after their flights were cancelled.
15. Goat yoga grew in popularity
People love goat yoga, and the trend is only growing! According to goat yoga’s official website, “[the goats] might jump on your back, stare into your soul, burp in your ear, or give goat hugs,” during the yoga session.
16. The FDA approved gene therapies
Gene therapies finally will be allowed by the FDA to treat a certain list of diseases. Through the modification of DNA, the disease goes away, making medication or other treatments no longer needed. Other diseases will potentially be added to the list in 2018.
17. Porgs!
Star Wars: The Last Jedi was released December 15, and along with it came an adorable space puffin known as the Porg! The creators of Star Wars had difficulty filming on the island Luke Skywalker isolated himself to due to the amount of puffins on the island. Instead of using special effects to omit the puffins, the VFX team created the Porg!
