Another year has come and gone. Everyday spent brings about numerous events, shaping a multitude of outcomes for our future. As we welcome 2017 with open arms, it is time to look back into 2016 for some of the most memorable, shocking and unexpected occurrences of the time.

The Zika Outbreak

Back in January of 2016, the dreaded virus Zika broke out across the South American continent with dangerous threats of rapidly spreading across the globe through mosquito bites. The virus is dangerous to mostly pregnant women,and tropical areas with high populations of mosquitos were passed unto states of emergency. Developing babies were the prime victims, as they were easy targets to the virus while growing in the mother’s womb, resulting in severe birth defects among a number of infants. Unfortunately, no vaccine has yet been conceived but is currently being worked on.

The Terror Attack in Brussels

Several months later, another state of emergency was passed in Belgium. Unlike the Zika outbreak, this declaration hoped to protect its citizens from terrorism, which significantly grew in Europe throughout the year. On Mar. 22, 2016, the capital of Brussels was attacked by three bombings at the airport and one metro station, killing a total of 39 individuals and injuring 300. This has been recorded as the deadliest terrorist attack in Belgium’s history.

The United Kingdom Leaves the EU

Following several months of peace, Europe found itself in shambles again, after the United Kingdom retreats from the European Union on June 23, 2016. Commonly known as Brexit ( a combination of Britain and exit), the sudden action taken by the country has people wondering how British firms will continue to do business in the European Union and what rights are implied.

First Around the World Flight of the Solar Airplane

On more positive and exciting tones, inventions and creations were made for the betterment of society. On July 26, 2016, the first ever solar powered aircraft, Solar Impulse 2, completed its first ever world tour. Based in Switzerland, the creators, Bertrand Piccard et André Borschberg, claim this project was in development since 2003. The success of this project gained acclamation from the scientific community for being the first ever aircraft to not rely on fuel, allowing it to travel day and night, without the need to refuel.

The 2016 Summer Olympics

As summer moved along on its schedule, it brought about with it the Summer Olympics, held in Brazil. Hosted from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21, 2016, countries like the United States saw the opportunity to shine bright on stage. Olympic athletes like Simone Biles, Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky brought home pride and joy to the United States. Biles and Ledecky both left victoriously with five medals, four of which were gold. Phelps won six medals, making him the most decorated Olympian with 23 Olympic medals to his name.

The 2016 Election

The year came to an end with a drastic political change when the United States anxiously watched the election, a fiery competition between ex-First Lady Hillary Clinton and businessman Donald Trump. The impact of each one’s policy held so much importance that the event was followed by several other countries across the world as well. Ending on Nov. 8, 2016, the result caused major controversy since Clinton won the popular vote by 30,000 while Trump walked away with the electoral vote. Trump is expected to take office on Jan.20, 2017.

Whether the past year has proved itself good or bad for you, the time has come to turn the page on this eventful year and write a chapter in 2017.