NASA/Paul E. Alers

A model of the Curiosity, NASA's most advanced mobile robotic laboratory, which will examine one of the most intriguing areas on Mars, is seen prior to a news briefing, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C.

This last year saw a possible challenge to the theory of relativity with the discovery of subatomic particles able to travel faster than the speed of light, incredible advances in the treatment of AIDS and a supercomputer won a game show. Social media paved the way for social unrest, and NASA bid farewell to one of its most successful programs-the space shuttle-as another successful program-the Kepler satellite faces a budget crisis. Join Larry to cast your vote for the top story of the year. Unlike your high school science classes, there are no wrong answers!

Guest:

Joe Palca, Science Correspondent for NPR