Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024

This year , scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown.

In some cases, analysis of ancient DNA helped fill knowledge gaps and change preconceived notions.

ADNA research is reframing the way people understand the archaeological site of Pompeii, which remains trapped beneath a layer of ash.

A study of skeletal remains using new DNA analysis techniques shed light on the fate of George Washington’s family members in West Virginia .

Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe is associated with celestial discoveries during the 16th century , but he was also an alchemist devoted to brewing secret medicines for elite clients.

Separately, German astronomer Johannes Kepler made sketches of sunspots in 1607 from his observations of the solar cycle.

Scientists also found tungsten, which hadn’t even been described at the time.

Kepler ’s sketches captured sunspots, which helped astronomers determine solar cycles were still occurring as expected when Kepler observed them.

Brahe and Kepler , along with Newton and Galileo Galilei , were giants who replaced the medieval view of the world with a modern one.