Chandrayaan-3 marked one of India's biggest space projects.
The year 2023 will be remembered for some extraordinary events. From India cementing its place among the world's leading spacefaring nations with the successful completion of its ambitious lunar mission to the horrors of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Here are the most powerful images from 2023 that define the year.
Israeli Attacks Gaza
The aftermath of the Israeli strike on a residential building in Gaza City on October 25, stirred profound reactions as Palestinians desperately searched for casualties. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's retaliatory strikes after the Hamas' October 7 attack have so far killed over 20,000 Palestinians in Gaza. In Israel, the official death count stands at around 1,200.
Captivating Reunion
Sharon Avigdori, who was kidnapped by Hamas, was pictured hugging her son Omer after her release on November 25. The photo was released on November 26. Around 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, and 105 were released during a six-day ceasefire in late November. Israel has expressed concerns that some of the missing hostages may have died in captivity.
Chandrayaan-3
India cemented its place among the world's leading spacefaring nations with the successful completion of its ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-3. This historic triumph not only pushed the boundaries of scientific exploration but also served as a symbol of India's growing technological prowess.
Blue Moon Over Athens
A special celestial event, known as the "Blue Moon," illuminated the night sky behind the Temple of Poseidon near Athens, Greece, on August 30. The term "Blue Moon" refers to an extra full moon in a calendar month, making it a rare and captivating sight for observers. The phrase "once in a blue moon" comes from this rare event. This phenomenon will next be seen in 2037.
SuedLink Electric Power Line in Germany
A miner adjusting his helmet inside a salt mine on September 12, in Heilbronn, Germany. The mine is part of the construction process for the SuedLink electric power line, a 700 km-long project aimed at transporting green energy from wind turbines on the northern coast to the southern parts of the country. The line is expected to be operational by 2028, contributing to Germany's efforts in sustainable energy transmission.
Balasore Train Tragedy
A Chennai-bound Coromandel Express, a stationary goods train and Yesvantpur-Howrah Express were involved in one of the worst railway disasters ever near Bahanaga Bazar station in Odisha's Balasore district on June 2 this year. At least 295 people were killed and over 1200 people injured in this tragic mishap.
SpaceX's Starship Achievement
SpaceX's Starship made history by lifting off from the Boca Chica launchpad near Brownsville, Texas, on April 20. This successful orbital test mission crowned the Starship as the most powerful rocket ever flown, breaking a record held by the Soviet Union's N1 rocket for over half a century. The milestone marked a significant achievement for SpaceX in advancing space exploration.
Russia-Ukraine War
A grandfather shares a heartfelt goodbye with his granddaughter, Arina, 6, before her evacuation from the front-line city of Bakhmut during Russia's attack on Ukraine, on January 31. The invasion, the largest on a European country since World War II, has resulted in tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties and hundreds of thousands of military casualties. In response, Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in June along different points of the approximately 1,000-km-long frontline. The image captures the emotional impact and personal stories amid the larger conflict.
Destructive Wildfire in Greece
A devastating wildfire continued its rampage in Dadia National Park in Evros, Greece, as flames and smoke billowed from a line of trees on September 1. The disaster claimed 20 lives, destroyed homes, and devastated lush forests in the region. Authorities managed to rescue a group of 25 migrants, who had been trapped in the wildfire for nearly two weeks.
India Lose World Cup Final
India were unbeaten in the cricket World Cup going into the summit clash but were completely outplayed by Australia who rode brilliant performances from Travis Head and the bowlers to claim a record-extending sixth World Cup title. A photo released after the final shows Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the two seniormost players in the team, in a somber mood.