Geminid meteor shower 2025 peaks next week. Here's what you need to know about this year's best meteor shower

A recent cosmic event has been identified as the longest gamma-ray burst ever recorded, lasting seven hours, which has intrigued astronomers and raised questions about its origin, potentially linked to a rare class of black holes. This unprecedented outburst is described as unlike any other observed in the past 50 years.

A supermassive black hole has expelled matter at an astonishing speed of 134 million mph, which is approximately 20% the speed of light. This event highlights the extreme dynamics and powerful forces at play in the universe, showcasing the capabilities of such massive celestial objects.

The Geminids meteor shower, which began on December 4, is anticipated to peak on the night of December 13-14, 2025, providing an exceptional opportunity for skywatchers to observe up to 150 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. This annual event is renowned for its vibrant and colorful shooting stars, making it a highlight in the astronomical calendar.

New simulations indicate that the potential methane atmosphere of TRAPPIST-1e may be a misinterpretation caused by its star, leading to renewed skepticism about the planet's habitability. This finding challenges previous assumptions regarding the planet's ability to support life.

Recent observations have revealed that the small moons of Uranus are characterized by their dark, red surfaces and a lack of water, with Mab standing out as particularly unusual. This finding adds to the understanding of the composition and characteristics of these celestial bodies.

A rare phenomenon known as the green flash occurs at sunset, characterized by a brief green rim visible just as the sun dips below the horizon. This optical effect is a result of atmospheric conditions and is observed at every sunset, although it is not always seen due to various factors such as weather and location.

A powerful X1.1 solar flare erupted from sunspot region 4298, causing significant radio blackouts across Australia during the flare's peak activity. This event highlights the dynamic nature of solar phenomena and their immediate effects on Earth.

The Geminid meteor shower, which began on December 4, is expected to peak on the night of December 13-14, offering observers in dark locations the chance to see over 100 meteors per hour. This annual event is often regarded by astronomers as one of the best meteor showers, surpassing the more widely known Perseids in terms of visibility and frequency of meteors.