Which significant battle in 1942 involved opposing ships not making contact with each other?

The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought in May 1942, is notable for being the first naval battle in which opposing fleets did not directly engage in ship-to-ship contact. Instead, the battle was conducted entirely through airpower launched from aircraft carriers. This strategic engagement involved the U.S. Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy, where both sides deployed their aircraft to attack the opposing ships.

The significance of this battle lies in the fact that it demonstrated the effectiveness of aircraft carriers and the reliance on air superiority, marking a shift in naval warfare where airpower became crucial for naval success. This battle helped to halt the Japanese advance toward Australia and set the stage for subsequent U.S. victories in the Pacific Theater.

Other battles mentioned either involved direct engagements or did not fit the specific criteria of the question regarding the absence of ship-to-ship contact.