Your Ultimate Guide to 2025: Celestial Events and Space Exploration

Sept. 22: Autumn is here.

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="A black-and-white satellite view of the Earth at equinox." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/09/21/science/01space-calendar-autumnal-equinox/01space-calendar-autumnal-equinox-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>Equinoxes occur twice each year, in March and September, when Earth reaches a point in its orbit where the sun shines directly on the Equator.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>NASA</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>Mark your calendars for the autumnal equinox, one of Earth’s two annual moments when day and night are perfectly balanced across the entire planet. This celestial event traditionally signals the official start of fall. Discover five fascinating facts about the autumnal equinox to deepen your appreciation for this seasonal shift.</p>

Sept. 23: NASA could launch a mission to map the solar system’s boundaries.

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="A spacecraft in a clean room with two engineers in protective gear in the foreground." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/09/01/multimedia/01space-calendar-imap-gjfl/01space-calendar-imap-gjfl-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>Space engineers at work on the NASA Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe spacecraft at the Astrotech Space Operations facility in Titusville, Fla., in August.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>NASA is gearing up for a potential launch of the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), a mission designed to unravel the mysteries of our solar system's outermost region. IMAP will investigate the heliosphere, a protective bubble created by solar winds that shields us from interstellar space. Equipped with ten advanced scientific instruments, the spacecraft will orbit the sun, meticulously observing the heliosphere, solar weather patterns, and cosmic dust.</p><p>This crucial probe will embark on its journey from Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Joining it will be two smaller companions: the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory and SWFO-L1, a satellite operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.</p>

Sept. 29: Blue Origin could launch twin NASA satellites to Mars.

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="A computer generated illustration of a small satellite in orbit over Mars." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/09/01/science/01space-calendar-escapade/01space-calendar-escapade-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>An artist’s concept of one ESCAPADE spacecraft above Mars.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>James Rattray/Rocket Lab USA</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>Blue Origin is preparing to launch ESCAPADE, a modest but significant NASA-funded mission consisting of two orbiters, affectionately named Blue and Gold. Operated by the Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory, these spacecraft will orbit Mars to investigate the planet's unique magnetic environment.</p><p>Despite their small size, the ESCAPADE satellites will be carried into space by Blue Origin's colossal New Glenn rocket, founded by Amazon's Jeff Bezos. This launch marks only the second flight for the impressive New Glenn, following its successful debut earlier in January.</p>

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Oct. 22-23: The Orionids meteor shower will reach its peak.

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="A meteor shower at night with a layer of clouds reflecting light below in a long exposure photograph." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/08/22/science/01space-calendar-orionids/01space-calendar-orionids-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>The Orionids meteor shower as seen from Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2009.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Petar Petrov/Associated Press</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p><em>Active from Oct. 2 to Nov. 12. Peak night: Oct. 22 to 23.</em></p><p>Get ready for the Orionids, a favorite among meteor shower enthusiasts! These meteors are known for their bright, rapid streaks that appear to radiate from the iconic constellation Orion’s Belt. Much like the Eta Aquarids shower in early May, the Orionids are a spectacular consequence of Earth traversing the dusty trail left by Halley's Comet.</p><p>This celestial show is visible from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This year, conditions are expected to be particularly excellent for viewing, as the moon will be a mere 2 percent full, ensuring minimal light interference.</p>

Nov. 16-17: The Leonids meteor shower will reach its peak.

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="A streak of light flies through a starry sky over blue-green rock formations." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/01/20/science/01sci-spacecalendar-leonids/01sci-spacecalendar-leonids-articleLarge-v2.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>The Leonid meteor shower viewed from North Macedonia in November 2020.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Georgi Licovski/EPA, via Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p><em>Active from Nov. 3 to Dec. 2. Peak night: Nov. 16 to 17.</em></p><p>Prepare to witness some of the fastest meteors of the year with the Leonids shower, streaking across the sky at an incredible 44 miles per second, leaving behind vivid, elongated tails.</p><p>These dazzling meteors appear to originate from the constellation Leo and can be observed from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This year offers favorable viewing conditions, as the moon will be only 9 percent full, providing a darker canvas for the spectacular show.</p>

Dec. 12-13: The Geminids meteor shower will reach its peak.

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="A meteor streaking over a silhouetted cactus in a desert landscape at dusk." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/01/01/multimedia/01space-calendar-geminids-pzwk/01space-calendar-geminids-pzwk-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>A meteor over Lukeville, Ariz., during the Geminids meteor shower in December 2023.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Go Nakamura/Reuters</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p><em>Active from Dec. 1 to Dec. 21. Peak night: Dec. 12 to 13.</em></p><p>Considered one of the most powerful and beloved annual meteor showers, the Geminids are born from the dust and debris left by an asteroid. While best appreciated from the Northern Hemisphere, stargazers south of the Equator can also catch this magnificent display.</p><p>The Geminids reach their dazzling peak when the moon is approximately 40 percent full, offering a balance between lunar light and meteor visibility.</p>

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Dec. 21: Winter solstice.

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="A black and white Earth on the right gives way to a planet in shadow on the top left side." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/01/01/science/01space-calendar-winter-solstice/01space-calendar-winter-solstice-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>Earth at the winter solstice.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Robert Simmon/NASA Earth Observatory</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>The winter solstice marks the scientific beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, our half of the world experiences its maximum tilt away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. Explore further details about this astronomical event.</p>

Dec. 21-22: The Ursids meteor shower will reach its peak.

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="An illustration depicts the path of a meteor shower in white over lines showing other planets orbiting the sun, including Mars in red and Earth in blue." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/12/23/science/01sci-spacecalendar-ursids/00SPACECALENDAR-ursids-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>A rendering of the orbit followed by the Ursids meteor shower. The white line shows the shower’s path, and the bright blue line in the middle represents the Earth’s orbit.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Ian Webster and Peter Jenniskens</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p><em>Active from Dec. 16 to Dec. 26. Peak night: Dec. 21 to 22.</em></p><p>Experience a festive winter solstice light show with the Ursids meteor shower, whose meteors radiate from near the Little Dipper constellation, part of Ursa Minor.</p><p>This particular shower is exclusively visible to skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere. With the moon only 3 percent full, conditions will be ideal for spotting these ethereal streaks across the night sky.</p>

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How to watch a meteor shower.

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="Two people lying on a beach, staring up at a night sky full of stars." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/01/01/multimedia/01sci-spacecalendar-meteor-showers-explainer-1-5243/01sci-spacecalendar-meteor-showers-explainer-1-5243-articleLarge-v3.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>Enjoying the Perseid meteor shower at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Michael Ciaglo for The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>Our universe is brimming with incredible cosmic spectacles, but only a select few can be truly appreciated with the naked eye. Among the most breathtaking are meteor showers – nature's own dazzling fireworks displays that streak brilliantly across the night sky.</p><h2>The Origin of Meteor Showers</h2><p>While you might catch a solitary meteor on any clear night, your best chance to witness multiple streaking lights is during a meteor shower. These spectacular events occur when Earth journeys through the dusty trails left behind by comets or asteroids as they orbit the sun. This cosmic debris, sometimes no larger than a grain of sand, ignites as it enters Earth's atmosphere, creating a brilliant, ephemeral stream of light.</p><p>Meteor showers are annual occurrences, lasting days or even weeks. However, each shower has a peak viewing window – the prime time to observe it – when Earth passes through the densest part of the debris trail. During this peak, meteors appear to originate from a single point in the sky.</p><p>For instance, the renowned Perseid meteor shower dazzles audiences each mid-August, appearing to radiate from the constellation Perseus. Similarly, the Geminids, a consistent December highlight, seem to emerge from the constellation Gemini.</p><h2>Your Guide to Watching a Meteor Shower</h2><p>Michelle Nichols, the Director of Public Observing at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, advises against using telescopes or binoculars when viewing a meteor shower.</p><p>“All you truly need are your own eyes and, ideally, a beautifully dark sky,” she explained.</p><p>This is because meteors can span vast areas of the sky, and specialized equipment might actually restrict your overall viewing experience.</p><p>Some meteor showers are incredibly active, potentially producing up to 100 visible streaks per hour, according to the American Meteor Society. However, the actual number you'll observe might be lower.</p><p>“Most of us live under light-polluted skies,” Ms. Nichols noted. “You might believe you’re in a dark area, but even small towns can have nearby bright lights that interfere.”</p><p>To optimize your viewing experience, consult local planetariums, astronomy clubs, or online resources to find locations away from excessive light pollution. The ideal conditions for a meteor shower include a clear sky, minimal moonlight, no cloud cover, and observations typically between midnight and sunrise. (Moonlight affects visibility in the same way light pollution does, washing out fainter sources of light in the sky.) Remember to allow your eyes at least 30 minutes to fully adapt to the darkness.</p><p>Ms. Nichols also suggests dressing in layers, even during warmer months. “You’ll likely be stationary for a considerable period while watching,” she advised, “so it can get quite cool, even in August.”</p><p>For extra comfort, consider bringing a warm beverage like hot cocoa or tea. Then, simply lean back, gaze upwards, and immerse yourself in the celestial spectacle.</p>

Anticipating the Wonders of Space and Astronomy in 2025

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="A space vehicle stands upright in a darkened facility with the NASA logo prominent on one wall." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/12/31/multimedia/01sci-spacepreview-zktb/01sci-spacepreview-zktb-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>The Dream Chaser, built by Sierra Space, undergoing testing at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. The company hopes it will carry cargo to the International Space Station for the first time this year.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Jef Janis/NASA</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>The year 2024, our planet's most recent 366-day journey around the sun, was brimming with thrilling astronomical and spaceflight achievements. We witnessed a spectacular solar eclipse sweep across North America, and two robotic landers successfully touched down on the lunar surface, mostly intact.</p><p>The most powerful rocket booster ever built was even “caught” by a pair of mechanical arms affectionately dubbed “chopsticks.” Historic missions embarked for Jupiter’s intriguing icy ocean moon, Europa, and brave private astronauts undertook a daring spacewalk.</p><p>Now, as we begin “2025,” the question arises: can this new revolution around the sun live up to the previous year's cosmic excitement? We invite you to explore the upcoming events on launchpads and in the night sky and decide for yourself how much enthusiasm to embrace.</p><p>Stay informed about these and many other fascinating events by regularly visiting our dedicated Space and Astronomy calendar.</p><h2>Jeff Bezos Joins the Space Race</h2><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="A large white rocket on its side is slowly carted to the launch stand." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/12/31/multimedia/01sci-spacepreview-01-ckql/01sci-spacepreview-01-ckql-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>The New Glenn vehicle was rolled out at Cape Canaveral, Fla., in February to undergo a series of tanking and mechanical system tests.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Blue Origin</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>While Elon Musk's SpaceX has largely dominated global spaceflight in recent years, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's ambitious plans for outer space could soon pose a significant challenge. Bezos's space company, Blue Origin, boasts a formidable rocket named New Glenn, which is anticipated to finally make its maiden flight in 2025.</p><p>Similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, New Glenn’s booster stage is designed for full reusability, aiming to significantly reduce launch costs by flying repeatedly. This powerful rocket is slated to transport national security satellites for the U.S. military and various spacecraft for NASA, including Mars orbiters and lunar landers.</p><p>Beyond government contracts, New Glenn will also carry satellites for Amazon. Bezos, who remains the executive chair of Amazon, is pursuing “Project Kuiper,” a plan to construct a massive constellation of satellites providing internet access from space. This initiative directly competes with SpaceX’s Starlink. Interestingly, Amazon intends to utilize rockets from several of Blue Origin's rivals for Kuiper satellites, including United Launch Alliance, Arianespace of France, and even SpaceX itself.</p><h2>First Glimpses from the Rubin Observatory</h2><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="An aerial view looking down on the mostly completed Vera C. Rubin Observatory on a rocky, arid mountaintop." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/12/31/multimedia/01sci-spacepreview-02-cmhl/01sci-spacepreview-02-cmhl-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, in the Coquimbo region of Chile, in January 2024.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Javier Torres/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>High atop a mountain in central Chile, astronomers are finalizing construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. This monumental project is expected to capture its inaugural views of the night sky as early as July 4th this year.</p><p>Formerly known as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, the observatory was respectfully renamed in 2020 to honor the late Vera Rubin, a trailblazing astronomer who passed away in 2016 at the age of 88. Dr. Rubin’s groundbreaking research provided compelling evidence for the existence of dark matter, a mysterious substance that constitutes the vast majority of the universe’s mass, yet remains an enigma.</p><p>The observatory’s name is truly fitting. Equipped with the world's largest digital camera, the Rubin Observatory will embark on an ambitious mission to create a continuous time-lapse “movie” of the Southern sky. These incredible images will be instrumental in helping scientists decipher the nature of dark matter, as well as dark energy – the enigmatic force accelerating the universe’s expansion. Furthermore, the immense dataset collected will shed light on the origins of our galaxy and diligently catalog asteroids and comets within our solar system, including those that could potentially pose a threat to Earth in the future.</p><h2>Lunar Ambitions and Political Shifts</h2><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="Workers in neon safety vests stand around an Artemis rocket stage with covers over its engines. A launchpad is visible in the distance." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/12/31/multimedia/01sci-spacepreview-03-cmhl/01sci-spacepreview-03-cmhl-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>The core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System, the rocket that will be used for the Artemis II moon mission, at Cape Canaveral, Fla., in July.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Chandan Khanna/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>During Donald J. Trump's initial presidency, American space policy notably shifted its focus towards lunar exploration, a direction that President Biden's administration continued. However, with Mr. Trump's return to the White House in January, existing space plans could face disruption. This might involve canceling NASA's costly rocket, which has been under development for over a decade, or a more radical reorientation of NASA's efforts towards sending humans to Mars – a primary objective for Mr. Musk, who has been advising the president-elect.</p><p>Despite potential political shifts, a series of robotic lunar missions are slated for early in the year. Mid-January could see the launch of two landers on a single SpaceX rocket: one from American company Firefly Aerospace, marking the maiden voyage of its Blue Ghost lander with NASA-funded cargo, and a second attempt from Japanese company Ispace, following its previous lander's crash in 2023.</p><p>Later in the first quarter, Intuitive Machines might attempt another moon landing with its Athena spacecraft. This follows their Odysseus lander's successful but tilted touchdown last February. Athena, also carrying NASA instruments including an ice-seeking drill, will share a SpaceX launch with Lunar Trailblazer, a NASA orbiter tasked with studying water on the moon.</p><h2>Honoring Voyagers 1 and 2</h2><div><div><img alt="Uranus, seen by Voyager 2 on its way to visit Neptune in 1986" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/01/01/multimedia/01sci-spacepreview-04b-pbch/01sci-spacepreview-04b-pbch-articleLarge.jpg"/><img alt="the Pale Blue Dot of Earth as seen by Voyager 1 in 1990" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/01/01/multimedia/01sci-spacepreview-07-cmhl/01sci-spacepreview-07-cmhl-articleLarge.jpg"/><img alt="Jupiter, Io and Europa seen by Voyager 1 in 1979" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/01/01/multimedia/01sci-spacepreview-06-cmhl/01sci-spacepreview-06-cmhl-articleLarge.jpg"/><img alt="Voyager 2 in a clean room of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., in 1977" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/01/01/multimedia/01sci-spacepreview-05-cmhl/01sci-spacepreview-05-cmhl-articleLarge.jpg"/></div><figcaption><span>Clockwise from top left: Uranus, seen by Voyager 2 on its way to visit Neptune in 1986; the “Pale Blue Dot” of Earth as seen by Voyager 1 in 1990; Jupiter, Io and Europa seen by Voyager 1 in 1979; Voyager 2 in a clean room of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., in 1977.</span></figcaption></div><p>Voyagers 1 and 2, the iconic twin spacecraft that ignited the imaginations of a generation of cosmic explorers, embarked on their historic journeys in 1977. After decades of venturing through the outer reaches of our solar system and charting the uncharted territories of interstellar space, these pioneering probes are now gracefully showing their age.</p><p>Early in their epic voyage, the duo offered humanity unparalleled glimpses of Jupiter and Saturn, with Voyager 2 extending its tour to include Uranus and Neptune. Yet, perhaps their most profound legacy is the mesmerizing photograph of Earth – a minuscule, almost imperceptible pixel against the vast cosmic backdrop – famously dubbed the “Pale Blue Dot” by the legendary astronomer Carl Sagan.</p><p>In recent years, these venerable robotic explorers have intermittently lost and re-established contact with NASA. Voyager 2's communication was intentionally suspended for several months in 2020, then inadvertently lost for a few weeks in 2023 before being successfully restored. Voyager 1, meanwhile, caused a brief scare this year when it ceased transmitting data back to Earth. To prolong their operational lives, instruments on both spacecraft have been gradually powered down.</p><p>However, NASA remains committed to these enduring missions. When they eventually fall silent and are “interred” in the deep silence between the stars, it will be a fitting final resting place for a pair that ventured further than any spacecraft before them, forever expanding our understanding of the universe.</p><h2>India's Ambitious Orbital Goals</h2><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in February shaking hands with members of the planned Gaganyaan mission: from left, Prasanth Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap and Shubhanshu Shukla." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/12/31/multimedia/01sci-spacepreview-09-jgvh/01sci-spacepreview-09-jgvh-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in February shaking hands with members of the planned Gaganyaan mission: from left, Prasanth Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap and Shubhanshu Shukla.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Press Information Bureau Handout/EPA-EFE, via Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>Having already achieved remarkable feats such as landing a robot on the moon and successfully placing a spacecraft in orbit around Mars, India's space program is now setting its sights closer to home, yet with no less ambition.</p><p>The nation is intensely focused on human spaceflight. This spring, Shubhanshu Shukla, a distinguished member of India's astronaut corps, is scheduled to spend up to 14 days aboard the International Space Station as part of a commercial mission with Axiom Space.</p><p>Mr. Shukla and his fellow Indian astronauts are on the cusp of making history, aiming to be the first to launch to low Earth orbit using India's own domestically developed rockets. Following a successful uncrewed test flight of the Gaganyaan orbital vehicle in December, a crewed Indian astronaut launch could potentially take place as early as 2026.</p><h2>Upcoming Milestones and Next-Generation Spacecraft</h2><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="A rocket ejects a plume of a flame from its base upon return to the launchpad to be caught by mechanical arms." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/12/31/multimedia/01sci-spacepreview-08-cmhl/01sci-spacepreview-08-cmhl-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>SpaceX’s large rocket booster returning to the launchpad for a “chopsticks” catch in Boca Chica, Texas, after a test flight in October.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Eric Gay/Associated Press</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>SpaceX captivated global attention in November during Flight 5 of Starship, the most formidable rocket ever constructed. This year, anticipate further attempts to replicate the astonishing “chopsticks” catch of its colossal Super Heavy booster. SpaceX may also endeavor to recover the upper-stage Starship vehicle for the first time after it completes an Earth orbit and returns to its South Texas launch site. The company has articulated a goal of 25 Starship launches in 2025, as it diligently prepares the spacecraft to transport astronauts to the moon under its contract with NASA.</p><p>Beyond Starship, several other innovative rockets and spacecraft are poised for their inaugural flights in 2025.</p><p>Among them is Neutron, a new reusable rocket developed by Rocket Lab, a company originating from New Zealand. Known for its routine satellite deployments with the smaller Electron rocket, Rocket Lab aims to conduct Neutron's first flight from its Virginia launch site.</p><p>Another highly anticipated vehicle is Dream Chaser, a cutting-edge space plane from Sierra Space. Following delays in 2024, the company is optimistic about its first mission to carry cargo to the International Space Station this year.</p>

March 20: Spring is here.

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="Half of Earth is visible in black and white on the right, with the rest of the planet in shadow." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/01/01/science/01space-calendar-spring-equinox/01space-calendar-spring-equinox-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption><span>Earth at the vernal equinox.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Robert Simmon/NASA Earth Observatory</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>March 20th marks the vernal equinox, one of only two moments each year when our planet experiences nearly equal periods of daytime and nighttime across the entire globe. For many, it signifies the delightful arrival of spring. Discover stunning satellite views that reveal what this precise astronomical event looks like from the vantage point of space.</p>

Jan. 4: Earth will be at its closest point to the sun.

<div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper"><figure aria-label="media" role="group"><img alt="Several people, in shadow, watch a sunset. Two on the right take a selfie with a smartphone." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/01/01/science/01space-calendar-perihelion/01sci-spacecalendar-perihelion-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" decoding="async" width="600" height="401"/><figcaption><span>The setting sun, at perihelion, in Ankara, Turkey, on Jan. 4, 2022.</span><span><span>Credit…</span><span>Cagla Gurdogan/Reuters</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><p>Despite the winter chill gripping the Northern Hemisphere, our Earth will reach its perihelion on Saturday – the point in its elliptical orbit when it is closest to the sun. Delve deeper into the fascinating mechanics of planetary orbits and the ongoing quest to discover life beyond our solar system.</p>