Astronomy and Space Exploration
- March 10 – Rings of Uranus discovered by Kuiper Airborne Observatory measurements of star occultation.
- August 12 – The NASA Space Shuttle makes its first test free-flight from the back of a jetliner.
- August 20 – Voyager program: The United States launches the Voyager 2 spacecraft.
- September 5 – Voyager program: Voyager 1 is launched after a brief delay.
- 2060 Chiron, first of the outer solar system asteroids known as Centaurs, discovered by Charlie Kowal.
- Discovery of the Carina Dwarf galaxy by the UK Schmidt Telescope.
Read more about this topic: 1977 In Science
Famous quotes containing the words astronomy, space and/or exploration:
“It is noticed, that the consideration of the great periods and spaces of astronomy induces a dignity of mind, and an indifference to death.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“As photographs give people an imaginary possession of a past that is unreal, they also help people to take possession of space in which they are insecure.”
—Susan Sontag (b. 1933)
“For women who do not love us, as for the “disappeared”, knowing that we no longer have any hope does not prevent us form continuing to wait. We live on our guard, on watch; women whose son has gone asea on a dangerous exploration imagine at any minute, although it has long been certain that he has perished, that he will enter, miraculously saved, and healthy.”
—Marcel Proust (1871–1922)