Top 5 Amazing Astronomy Discoveries in 2008

[mickw]

Astronomers have continued to cast their eyes to the heavens, with bigger and better telescopes and as much passion as ever this year, but some of the coolest findings of 2008 were right in our own backyard, or at least looked like they were.
From worlds nearby like Mercury and Mars to those beyond our solar system, planetary science saw a boon. As for extrasolar planets, astronomers bagged at least 50 newbies this year.

More:  http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/081223-st-2008-astronomy-discoveries.html