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Google has come up with a special animation to mark the successful mission of NASA termed the Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART. In celebration of NASA's triumph in planetary defense, an artistic memorial appeared on the search giant's home page.
The animation attempted by Google tried to present the DART spacecraft’s impact on Dimorphos. This animation starts with views of space, where there is an asteroid out in the distance with an approaching DART spacecraft. As it approaches the target, a collision takes place changing the asteroid's trajectory. Colorfully it shows just how exact the spacecraft was in accomplishing its mission. It closes with a shot of the altered path of the asteroid Ode and how this operation set the tone for planetary defense.
The DART mission was launched by NASA on 23rd November 2021. It aimed to try and test how one can easily change an asteroid's path for Earth's defense in case of a collision with an asteroid in the future. It successfully hit an asteroid known as Dimorphos, changing its course on 26th September 2022. This was a massive success in planetary defense as it also gathered enough data for missions to be undertaken during times of need.
The animation has worked well with the public as it drew their attention to this important feat achieved by NASA, among others.
With garnered appreciation from the public, Google has kept this tradition alive in 2024 with occasions and milestones commemoration in the funkiest and most creative way. This year’s Google Doodle’s hits are:
1. Google Doodle for 2024 Winter Olympics, February 2024: The Doodle featured interactive animated depictions of each winter sport and athletes for better engagement over the games.
2. Google Doodle for 80th Anniversary of D-Day Landings, June 2024: A feeling of great honor to the historic event in World War II with a detailed, animated Google doodle of the landings and bravery of the Allied forces.
3. Google Doodle 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service, August 2024: From the captivating animations covering the beauty of national parks across the United States to their conservation, all are represented.
4. Google Doodle James Webb Space Telescope New Images Launch, July 2024: The Doodle, an animated revelry in space is to celebrate the release of new stunning images coming out from the James Webb Space Telescope.
5. Google Doodle for the 2024 Global Climate Summit (September 2024): It was an animated Doodle based on climate action and sustainability initiatives discussed at the summit.
