2020 Reflection

2020 Reflection

2020 has been a year for the books. Anyone would be hard-pressed to overlook a global pandemic, a presidential election, protests, and much more that have all contributed to the unforgettable nature of this year. 

Starting off strong, an unknown disease was discovered in China in early 2020. It was unknown what caused the disease or how deadly it truly was, and this disease was later named the coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 went on to cause an economic shutdown while the people of the United States were advised to stay inside, wear a mask, and social distance, staying 6 feet apart from others, when leaving their home.

The 2020 Olympics were canceled, sports games were postponed, concerts were eliminated, and many other large social gatherings were called off due to the ongoing threat of this disease. 14,462,257 cases were reported worldwide with about 280,135 of them resulting in death. 

In February, President Trump was acquitted after his impeachment trial in early 2020. Not long after, NBA star Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and 7 others were killed in a tragic helicopter crash.

Two months later, police brutality was brought to light upon the deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, two unarmed black men killed by the officers sworn to protect them. Thousands of protesters used their voices to speak up for racial equality and justice. The protests, also known as the Black Lives Matter movement, changed history and brought voices to those who needed it most. These protests continued into June around the world in hopes of bringing equality for all.

In late July and early August, Hurricane Isaias hit the Caribbean and the East Coast of the United States. Isaias was classified as a category 1 hurricane, killing at least 5 people. More than 3 million homes and businesses lost power due to the fast winds of this disaster, and the damages done by this storm are expected to amount to approximately 4 billion dollars.

In October, the West Coast of the United States continued struggling with one of its worst wildfire seasons. The fires have since burnt more than 3 million acres in California, and more than 40,000 people fled their homes in Oregon.

In November, the 2020 presidential election was held, resulting in Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate, being elected the 46th president of the United States. Biden received 306 Electoral College votes, while Trump accumulated 232 Electoral College votes. 

Finally, December was set to be a month full of astronomy. The night of December 13th and early December 14th, the Geminid meteor shower reached its peak. Astronomers estimated that it would be possible to see 150 meteors per hour due to the moon-free sky. Later on the 14th, a total solar eclipse occurred, an event where the moon appeared to fully cover the sun. Then, to end the year off, on December 21st, the day of the solstice, a great conjunction ensued. This kissing of planets resulted in Jupiter and Saturn reaching 0.1 degrees apart, their first meeting since 2000 and the closest the plants have been since 1623.

Despite all of the challenges we have faced in 2020, it is apparent that we have grown stronger, developing great feelings of appreciation for even the smallest of joys. So many unprecedented trials came to light, but perhaps that was what we needed to grow as a nation.