25 Moments Of The 2010s That Are Sure To Go Down In History Books (4 of 5)

Virtual reality becomes a ‘reality’

Virtual reality was just a concept a decade ago. However, things took a turn in the 2010s, with VR headsets such as Oculus Rift becoming immensely popular in the market.

While the technology only allowed for rotational tracking when it was launched initially, it paved way for later designs that came with improved functionality.

Some of the other popular VR headsets include the Google Cardboard, PlayStation VR, Samsung Gear VR, and HTC Vive.

Hong Kong protests

Hong Kong was ruled by the Britishers up until 1997 when they returned their colony to China. However, the transfer of power wasn’t as easy as it seems. It was done under a system known as “one country, two systems”, which gave Hong Kong some autonomy.

However, in June 2019, protests broke out over legislation that allowed the extradition of people to mainland China. Critics feared that this piece of legislation could endanger their basic rights, and compromise the “one country, two systems” mechanism in place.

Even though the bill was withdrawn by the Hong Kong government in September, the protests continue and their demands now include complete democracy and inquiry into the excesses committed by the police during the protests. Violent clashes broke out between police and protestors, with police firing bullets and protestors responding with petrol bombs and stones.

According to reports, two people died: one man who was hit by a brick thrown by a protestor, and one student protestor, who succumbed to death in a parking lot while the demonstrations were on.

An all-women spacewalk for the first time in history

2019 saw for the first time an all-women spacewalk taking place, with Christina Koch and Jessica Meir leading the all-women team.

It was applauded by people from all over the world and termed a giant leap for womankind. Well, maybe the very first “man” to walk on Mars will be a female after all. And that would be totally awesome!

Visiting Pluto

2015 was the year when NASA’s New Horizons mission became the first ever to reach the dwarf planet Pluto. In fact, New Horizons was also one of five space missions that achieved the escape velocity that is required to leave our solar system.

Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest-reigning British monarch

In the year 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning British monarch. She holds the record of working with thirteen prime ministers and has met more people than any monarch in Britain’s history.

Her rule, over the decades, has witnessed momentous changes around the world, and has also seen seven popes in office and thirteen United States presidents!