2012: The year in space (36 images)

This undated NASA's Hubble Space Telescope shows galaxy NGC 1483. UPI/NASA

A Martian dust twister is shown tearing across the planet in this photo by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on February 16, 2012, just released. The twister rises up more than a half mile high in the Amazonis Planitia region of northern Mars. The dust devil is 100 feet wide. Dust devils occur on both Earth and Mars. UPI/NASA

The sun erupted with one of the largest solar flares of this solar cycle on March 6, 2012. This flare was categorized as an X5.4, making it the second largest flare -- after an X6.9 on August 9, 2011. The current increase in the number of X-class flares is part of the sunÕs normal 11-year solar cycle, during which activity on the sun ramps up to solar maximum, which is expected to peak in late 2013. The solar storm is now hitting Earth and may cause disruptions to satellites, communications and power grids. UPI/NASA/SDO/AIA..

The payload bay of NASA's space shuttle "Endeavour" remains open as the agency continues its post flight modification at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida on March 7, 2012. Once preparations are completed, NASA anticipates moving the shuttle to the California Science Center in Los Angeles to be placed on permanent public display. UPI/Joe Marino-Bill Cantrell