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The Geminid meteor shower, one of the strongest annual meteor displays, peaks overnight from December 13 to 14, with up to 120 meteors per hour visible under dark skies. Best viewed in the northern hemisphere, including the UK, the shower will continue until December 20. Viewing conditions depend on weather and light pollution.
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On September 22, 2025, the autumnal equinox marks equal day and night globally, signaling the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, it coincides closely with a partial solar eclipse on September 21 visible mainly in the Southern Hemisphere. Earlier, a total lunar eclipse on September 7-8 was widely observed across Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa and Europe.
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European space ministers in Bremen agreed to increase funding for space programs, with a focus on space transportation and Earth observation. The move aims to enhance Europe's space capabilities amid geopolitical and economic challenges, including security concerns and climate monitoring.
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NASA's latest Cygnus cargo spacecraft, launched by Northrop Grumman, experienced an early engine shutdown caused by conservative software settings. Despite the glitch, astronauts successfully captured the spacecraft with the station's robotic arm. The mission delivers vital supplies and research hardware to the ISS, with the spacecraft set for a planned reentry after six months.
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On October 13, 2025, SpaceX launched its 11th full-scale Starship test flight from Texas, marking the final flight of the second-generation rocket. The Super Heavy booster executed a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, while the Starship upper stage deployed eight mock Starlink satellites and splashed down in the Indian Ocean. This flight tested new heat shield configurations and dynamic maneuvers, advancing NASA’s Artemis lunar goals and SpaceX’s Mars ambitions.
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Recent analysis of NASA's Cassini data reveals a wider array of organic molecules in the plumes of Saturn's moon Enceladus. These findings suggest the moon's subsurface ocean has complex chemistry, increasing its potential to support life. Future missions are planned to explore this possibility further.
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Recent studies reveal a rogue planet, Cha 1107-7626, accreting gas and dust at an unprecedented rate, blurring lines between stars and planets. Meanwhile, the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, larger than previously thought, passed near Mars and is being closely observed. Finnish scientists also captured the first image of two black holes orbiting each other, confirming their binary nature.
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On October 7, 2025, the first of three supermoons this year, known as the Harvest Moon, appeared. It was the largest and brightest full moon of 2025 so far, appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter due to its close orbit to Earth. Meanwhile, two comets, Lemmon and SWAN, are making close passes to Earth this month, visible with binoculars or the naked eye under dark skies. Comet Lemmon will be closest on October 21, and both comets may be seen through the end of October. The UAE and other regions are hosting viewing events for these celestial phenomena.
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On November 5, 2025, the UK and much of the world will witness the Beaver Moon, the largest and brightest full moon of the year, classified as a supermoon due to its close proximity to Earth. This is the second of three supermoons in 2025. Concurrently, meteor showers like the Orionids and upcoming Leonids offer additional celestial spectacles through December.
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Multiple recent aircraft incidents involve damage to windshields or emergency landings, with investigations considering space debris, hail, and technical failures. These events underscore ongoing safety concerns at high altitudes, with authorities examining potential external causes like space debris or meteorites, though definitive links remain unconfirmed.
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In late October 2025, FBI Director Patel used a government jet to attend a performance by his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, at Pennsylvania State University. The trip sparked media scrutiny and led to the ousting of a senior FBI aviation official. Patel defended his travel as compliant with rules, while criticism continues amid broader concerns about his personal use of government aircraft.
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Elon Musk publicly criticized US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, accusing him of trying to undermine NASA and questioning his intelligence. The feud centers on Duffy's proposal to reopen NASA contracts and potentially shift agency oversight to the Department of Transportation, amid ongoing debates over NASA's leadership and lunar program timelines.
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Vast's Haven Demo spacecraft launched into orbit from Cape Canaveral, aiming to establish a commercial outpost. Meanwhile, India launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, supporting military communications and lunar ambitions. The US and China progress with space-based interceptors and reusable rockets, signaling a new era in space activity.
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On November 14, 2025, Chinese astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie safely returned to Earth after a nine-day delay caused by space debris damage to their original Shenzhou-20 return capsule. They landed in the Gobi Desert aboard the newer Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. The incident highlights growing risks from orbital debris amid China's expanding space ambitions.
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Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica, caused widespread devastation with winds up to 185 mph on October 28. Scientists confirm climate change intensified the storm’s wind speeds by 7% and rainfall by 16%, making such events more frequent and severe. The hurricane caused at least 61 deaths and damages estimated at one-third of Jamaica’s GDP, highlighting urgent climate adaptation and finance needs.
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President Trump has reversed his decision to withdraw Jared Isaacman's nomination as NASA administrator, citing new support and reassessment of his credentials. The move follows political debates over Isaacman's past donations and industry ties, with the Senate approval process still pending as of November 12, 2025.
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Multiple solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have caused geomagnetic storms across the US, UK, and parts of Canada, leading to spectacular aurora displays. The storms have disrupted satellite and communication systems and are expected to continue into Thursday, with visibility affected by weather conditions.
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In late 2025, Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket carrying NASA's twin Mars orbiters, marking a milestone in reusable rocket technology. Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome suffered significant launchpad damage during a Soyuz crewed mission, threatening future launches. SpaceX's Starship V3 booster experienced a critical failure during ground testing, delaying its development. Russia removed veteran cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev from a SpaceX mission amid espionage allegations. Russia and India continue talks on rocket engine cooperation.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejects US military intervention amid reports of US contractors installing restricted land signs near the border. The incident, close to SpaceX facilities, has prompted diplomatic efforts and border boundary clarifications, highlighting ongoing US-Mexico tensions over sovereignty and security concerns.
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Recent articles reveal significant space findings: a rare meteorite on Earth with insights into planetary cores, a giant nebula in the Milky Way, and new evidence of electrical activity on Mars. These discoveries deepen understanding of planetary formation, interstellar objects, and Martian phenomena, highlighting ongoing space exploration progress as of December 2025.
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China launched the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft to the Tiangong space station after the previous vessel was damaged by space debris. The crewed station now has a backup vessel for emergency return, highlighting China's rapid response to space safety issues amid international competition.
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A Russian Soyuz MS-28 mission successfully launched from Baikonur with Russian and NASA astronauts. However, damage to the launch pad was detected post-launch, raising concerns about future missions. Russia plans repairs amid geopolitical and funding challenges affecting the cosmodrome's modernization.
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NASA is nearing key decisions on lunar rover contracts, with plans to fund a backup rover provider amid budget constraints. The agency is also progressing with private space station development, including projects from Voyager Technologies and others, to ensure continuity after the ISS's end of life in 2030.
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NASA is deploying new robotic and human exploration initiatives. The Artemis IV lunar rover, MAPP, will study dust and plasma environments on the Moon, supporting upcoming Artemis missions. Meanwhile, a new report emphasizes prioritizing Mars life detection and resource utilization, as the US prepares for human Mars exploration amid strategic competition with China.