Cosmic Discoveries and Milestones Mark the End of 2025

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2025, people around the world will be gazing up at the night sky, taking in the celestial wonders on display. But for astronomers and space enthusiasts, the past year has been a thrilling ride, marked by a series of groundbreaking discoveries and milestones.

One of the most significant achievements of 2025 was SpaceX's record-breaking launch tally. For the sixth year in a row, the private space company has shattered its own annual launch record, with a staggering 165 orbital flights completed in 2025. This impressive feat is a testament to the company's innovative approach to space technology and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Meanwhile, astronomers have been making headlines with their discoveries. The Einstein Probe, a cutting-edge space telescope, has detected an X-ray flare from a nearby star, PM J23221-0301, located about 150 light years away. This finding, reported in a research paper published on the arXiv preprint server, provides valuable insights into the behavior of stars and the processes that govern their activity.

Closer to home, the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton has been dealing with the aftermath of a severe windstorm that damaged the historic telescope's dome. Winds exceeding 110 mph tore across the mountain on Christmas morning, blasting a massive steel protective door off the iconic white dome. Fortunately, the observatory's staff has been working tirelessly to shield the telescope and prevent further damage.

As the year draws to a close, stargazers are looking forward to a spectacular New Year's Eve sky, with a range of celestial wonders on display. Constellations, planets, and a waxing moon will all be visible, making for a magical night of stargazing.

But for those interested in the more mysterious side of astronomy, a recent study has shed new light on a fascinating phenomenon: the "zombie star." In 1181 CE, Chinese and Japanese astronomers observed a supernova that didn't quite live up to its explosive promise. Instead of detonating in a blaze of glory, the star sputtered and left behind a rare, zombie-like remnant. New research by Syracuse University physicist Eric Coughlin has explained how these unusual structures form, providing a fascinating glimpse into the complex and often unexpected world of astrophysics.

The study found that when a star fails to explode, it can launch a fast, dense wind that slams into surrounding gas, creating finger-like plumes through a fluid instability. In some cases, a second instability that normally tears such structures apart never activates, leaving behind a zombie star surrounded by long filaments resembling fireworks.

As we look back on the past year, it's clear that 2025 has been a remarkable year for astronomy and space exploration. From record-breaking launches to groundbreaking discoveries, the past 12 months have been a thrilling ride for space enthusiasts. As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the universe still has many secrets to reveal, and scientists are eager to uncover them.

Sources:

• SpaceX: www.spacex.com
• Einstein Probe: arxiv.org/abs/xxxx.xxxxx
• Lick Observatory: www.ucolick.org
• New Year's Eve sky: www.universetoday.com
• Zombie star study: www.syr.edu