The year 2025 witnessed remarkable developments in astronomy, capturing global attention with groundbreaking missions and discoveries. Significant stories include an all-women space flight, the discovery of a deep-space comet, and claims of extraterrestrial life, alongside notable events involving NASA astronauts and the identification of new moons around Saturn.
All-Women Space Mission
Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, successfully completed its first mission featuring an all-women crew. This historic flight included prominent figures such as entrepreneur Lauren Sánchez, former NASA scientist Amanda Nguyen, singer Katy Perry, TV presenter Gayle King, ex-NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. The mission, which lasted approximately 11 minutes, reached Earth’s lower orbit and returned safely.
The mission generated mixed reactions. Critics described it as unnecessary, with Heather Schwedel of Slate stating, “As stupid as I thought it would be, it was even stupider.” Conversely, supporters, including Gayle King, emphasized its inspirational value, noting, “Most people are really excited and cheering us on and realize what this mission means to young women, young girls and boys, too.”
Deep Space Discoveries and Alien Debates
In July, astronomers observed the remarkable 3I/ATLAS comet, marking it as the third interstellar object ever recorded to pass through Earth’s solar system. Scientists believe this comet, which likely originated from a giant exoplanet, has traversed the Milky Way for billions of years. The July observation provided optimal viewing conditions, allowing astronomers to collect valuable data. According to Darryl Z. Seligman, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Michigan State University, the close proximity of 3I/ATLAS enabled researchers to learn about planet formation in exoplanetary systems compared to our solar system.
In another intriguing development, researchers published findings in The Astrophysical Journal Letters positing signs of life on the exoplanet K2-18b, located 120 light-years from Earth. The study identified an abundance of dimethyl sulfide, a molecule typically produced by living organisms. However, subsequent analyses challenged these findings, with multiple studies failing to provide evidence of life on K2-18b. “The claim just absolutely vanishes,” stated Luis Welbanks, an astronomer at Arizona State University and a co-author of one of the studies.
NASA’s Extended Mission and Saturn’s New Moons
On a more terrestrial note, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams faced an extended stay in space, remaining aboard the International Space Station for an unprecedented 286 days. Originally intended to be an eight-day mission, their journey was complicated by issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule, which experienced thruster failures and helium leaks shortly after launch in June 2024. Upon their return in March 2025, experts like Rachael Seidler, who studies spaceflight’s impact on human health, highlighted the significance of tracking the physical effects of long-duration space missions.
In another exciting revelation, scientists discovered 128 new moons orbiting Saturn, increasing the planet’s total to 274. Many of these moons are only a few miles across, dwarfing Earth’s moon, which measures 2,159 miles in diameter. Despite their small sizes, these moons are classified based on their stable orbits. The presence of so many moons suggests a history of significant collisions in space, prompting further investigations with advanced telescopes or spacecraft.
Overall, 2025 has been a notable year for astronomy, marked by significant achievements and discoveries that inspire both curiosity and debate about our universe.