Space Updates








Exciting Space Updates
Does Quaoar have a new moon?
Astronomers observed what could be another moon orbiting Quaoar, when Quaoar passed in front of a star! It could also be another ring, but the scientists are leaning more towards a moon! We hope to get confirmation soon!
In mid-late October we'll have 2 comets passing at the same time! C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) and C/2025 R2 (SWAN)
These two comets could be passing the Earth at around the same time and might be visible with the unaided eye! We'll see how the journey develops, but it could be an awesome sight!
Earth has a new Quasi Moon 2025 PN7
2025 PN7 is a new friend that has recently been pulled into Earth's orbit. It's orbit around the sun is so similar to Earth's that it could stay in Earth's orbit for up to 60 years! It's nice to know that our moon Luna has a new friend!
The IAU Goes on and Naming Spree - 4 more TNO's get real names!
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially named four large trans-Neptunian objects in September 2025. 2002 UX25 is now Uni - named after the Etruscan Goddess of Marriage and Family. 2004 GV9 is now Goibniu - named after the craftsman god from Irish mythology. 2005 RM43 is now Rumina - named after the Roman goddess for nursing mothers. And, 2002 XW93 - Xevioso - named after the god of thunder from Dahomey mythology.
Another TNO gets an official name!
Another TNO has been named, this time it is 2013 FY27. 2013 FY27 was given the name Chiminigagua, after the creator god of the Muisca (Chibcha) people that inhabit the Andes mountains in the central part of Colombia.
Betelgeuse is a Binary Star!
Astronomers always thought that the Red Supergiant star Betelgeuse had a binary friend and they finally found it! Siwarha or "Betelbuddy" is its name and it will meet a spectacular end when Betelgeuse supernovas in the near future.
3 Trans-Neptunian Objects received official names!
Astronomers gave official names to these 3 TNO's: 2002 AW197 is now 55565 Aya , 2003 AZ84 is now 208996 Achlys, and 2005 RN43 is now 145452 Ritona!
Jupiter now has 97 Moons!
Astronomers discovered 2 more moons around Jupiter! Jupiter still has a long way to go to catch up to Saturn's 274 moons, but is working his way up!
JWST detects complex molecule in another galaxy!
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) just detected complex organic molecules in a distant galaxy. Learn more HERE
The Dwarf Planet Candidate nicknamed "Niku" received its official new name - Taowu
The name was announced by the International Astronomical Union on 3 February 2025. The object was previously nicknamed "Niku" by Ying-Tung Chen.
2002 MS4 finally received a real name - Máni!
On June 9th, 2002 MS4 was officially named Máni - God of the Moon from Norse Mythology.
A new Dwarf Planet Candidate has been detected!
Astronomers found a new dwarf planet 2017 OF 201 beyond Neptune with a 25,000 year eccentric orbit. Learn more HERE
Lucy just reached asteroid Donaldjohanson on it's quest to the Trojans!
The Lucy spacecraft mission is the first mission to explore the Trojan asteroids near Jupiter. Learn more about the mission HERE
James Webb just discovered strange molecules on exoplanet K2-18b called dimethyl sulfide that can only be made by sea creatures!
There could be space fish! The amazing James Webb Telescope has found the most convincing evidence yet! On Exoplanet K2-18b, there are some strange substances that could be clues to the existence of life on other planets. Learn more HERE
February 28th, 2025 Look to the sky for A Rare Planetary Alignment - A Planet Parade!
Seven Planets will all be aligned in the sky on February 28th, 2025! You can watch live here, or if you have a clear sky - You'll see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune! Learn more.
James Web Telescope just discovered a rare Super-Venus exoplanet called GJ 1214 b 48 light years away
James Webb Telescope has been making amazing discoveries! Like this one - A New Exoplanet - Super Venus. Learn More.
Astronomers Discover a Christmas Tree Cluster and Wreath Nebula
Astronomers have found two very festive nebulae/star clusters: The Christmas Tree Cluster and the Cosmic Wreath!
Learn more here: Christmas Tree Cluster
Hubble and Webb Get Closer Look at Vega
A joint Hubble and JWST project to learn more about the dusty disk around the bright star Vega has found a surprising lack of planets, as evidenced by the disk and surrounding halo being filled with a snow of tiny particles.
Europa Clipper Probe Launch
The Europa clipper probe launched on October 14th, 2024 and will arrive at Europa 9Jupiter's moon) by 2030. It will search for areas under its surface where life is possible. (aka Space Fish!) Can't wait to see what they find!
-Special thanks to Logan for the update!
Learn more HERE
New planet Discovered - TOI-733b
Scientists discovered a new planet! It is 245 light-years away and is named TOI-733b. It has an ocean! How Cool!
Nasa's Curiosity Rover Discovers Sulfur Crystals on Mars!
The Curiosity Rover drove over a martian rock that cracked open to reveal yellow sulfur crystals! Read more about it HERE
Weird Galaxy Discovered by Webb Telescope
The James Webb Telescope just discovered that a galaxy named GS-NDG-9422 (9422), has an unusual light signature suggesting that its gas shines brighter than its stars! How weird! Learn more HERE