Kosmos 482, a Soviet descent module built to survive Venus’s atmosphere, is expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere between May 8 and 11, 2025, with a high probability of debris survival due to its robust design.
Geologists from the University of Colorado Boulder report that extensive valley networks on Mars were likely formed by widespread precipitation, challenging previous theories that attributed their formation to runoff from melting ice caps. Using landscape evolution models and topographic data from NASA missions, the researchers found that valley head elevations across Mars’ southern highlands are more consistent with rain or snowmelt than with localized ice melting.
Astronomers have uncovered a new exoplanet that’s slowly breaking apart. Located 140 light-years away, this Mercury-sized planet is losing material at an alarming rate, creating a massive trail of vaporized minerals as it orbits its star. This discovery gives scientists a rare chance to study how intense heat and gravity affect a planet’s fate.
A very bright fireball exploded in the sky over southern Brazil at 22:03 UTC on April 23, 2025. The event lasted over 7 seconds, ending with a bright flash and loud boom.
Scientists analyzing data from NASA’s Perseverance rover have discovered diverse volcanic rocks in Jezero Crater. The findings point to prolonged volcanic activity and possible past water interaction, raising new questions about Mars’ potential to support life.
NASA’s Lucy spacecraft flew by asteroid Donaldjohanson on April 20, 2025, capturing images of its elongated, lumpy bowling pin shape. The flyby, conducted as a test for upcoming Jupiter Trojan asteroid missions, revealed the asteroid’s dimensions as approximately 8 km (5 miles) in length and 3.5 km (2 miles) in width.
A newly discovered asteroid designated 2025 HH flew past Earth at a distance of just 0.07 LD / 0.000021 AU (27 847 km / 17 304 miles) from the center of our planet at 23:24 UTC on April 17, 2025.
Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope have detected molecules in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b that may indicate potential biological activity. The analysis revealed the presence of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide—compounds that, on Earth, are primarily produced by biological processes.
The Lyrid meteor shower, caused by debris from Comet Thatcher, will peak from April 21 to April 22, 2025, with an expected rate of 10–15 meteors per hour. It will be best visible in the Northern Hemisphere, and rare surges and fireballs may occur under favorable conditions,
A very bright fireball streaked across the sky over Mexico City at 09:47 UTC (03:47 local time) on April 16, 2025, disintegrating in the atmosphere with a bright flash and loud rumble.
