Seeing a bull's-eye in the desert | Space photo of the day for Dec. 5, 2025

A recent observation from a Mars orbiter has revealed a striking impact crater on the Red Planet, characterized by debris that resembles butterfly wings unfurling across the Martian surface. This captivating image highlights the dynamic geological processes at play on Mars, showcasing the planet's unique landscape.

December's 'Cold Moon' rose on December 4, 2025, marking the final full moon of the year as it approached its closest point to Earth in its monthly orbit. This celestial event, known for its striking appearance, captivated stargazers around the world.

A new cosmic map has reignited the debate surrounding the 'Hubble tension,' a discrepancy in the measurement of the universe's expansion rate. This development suggests that previous assumptions may need reevaluation, as researchers work to narrow down viable explanations for the observed inconsistencies.

In November, a rare solar super-flare resulted in a significant spike in cosmic radiation levels in Earth's atmosphere, reaching the highest levels recorded in nearly 20 years. This event underscores the dynamic nature of solar activity and its direct impact on our planet's environment.

Mercury, the innermost planet of the solar system, is currently visible in the morning sky, providing a rare opportunity for skywatchers to observe this elusive celestial body. This month marks an ideal time to catch a glimpse of Mercury, which is often difficult to spot due to its proximity to the Sun.

Rare images captured just minutes before X-class solar flares erupted reveal active sunspots, which subsequently led to stunning auroras observed in November 2025. These flares are significant solar events that can impact Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field.

A recent launch on November 27 resulted in damage to Russia's only active launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, which is critical for crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS). This incident raises questions about the timeline for resuming manned spaceflights from Russia, as the damaged infrastructure directly impacts their ability to send astronauts into orbit.

The Geminid meteor shower, known for its bright and colorful shooting stars, is currently active, having begun on December 4, and is expected to reach its peak on the night of December 13-14. This annual celestial event is one of the highlights of the meteor shower calendar, attracting skywatchers worldwide.