With advancements in technology, opportunities to explore scientific phenomena both in space and on Earth have become more intricate. Here is a compilation, in no particular order, of the top 10 innovations, natural occurrences, and significant events of 2025.
Breakthrough: Vera C. Rubin Telescope’s Inaugural Images
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile unveiled its initial images this year. Although not the largest telescope globally, it boasts a massive 8.4-meter main mirror and houses the world’s most extensive digital camera with 3.2 gigapixels. This observatory has the capability to capture high-resolution images of the entire southern sky daily for a decade. These mesmerizing images will be compiled to create a time-lapse portrayal of the universe, showcasing moving entities ranging from nearby asteroids and planets in our solar system to colliding galaxies, the universe’s expansion, and the enigmatic dark matter.
Discovery: Asteroid Bennu’s Ingredients
In September 2023, a small capsule carrying samples from an asteroid, gathered by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, landed on Earth. Scientists have now disclosed their analysis results of the dark granular substance, revealing the presence of sugars, amino acids, nucleobases, and carboxylic acids. These components, vital for life on Earth, serve as the building blocks of DNA and RNA. While this does not confirm life on the asteroid, it heightens the probability that the essential molecular elements for life were abundant in the early solar system and may have been transported to early Earth from space.
Legacy: Canada’s Pioneer Astronaut Marc Garneau
On June 4, 2025, Marc Garneau, Canada’s inaugural astronaut, passed away at 76. A former naval commander, he was among the first six Canadian astronauts selected in 1983. Garneau embarked on three spaceflights, including the historic Space Shuttle Challenger mission in 1984. Following his astronaut career, he served as president of the Canadian Space Agency and later transitioned to politics, holding roles such as Minister of Transport and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He retired from politics in 2023. Explore more about his remarkable journey in his memoir, Marc Garneau: A Most Extraordinary Ride.
READ MORE: Canada’s inaugural astronaut, Marc Garneau â and a privileged journalist who knew him
Phenomenon: Comet 3I/ATLAS’s Speed
Comet 3I/ATLAS, identified as the fastest comet ever observed, is hurtling through our solar system at an incredible speed of 209,000 km/hr. Discovered on July 1, 2025, by a telescope in Chile, its remarkable velocity surpassing the sun’s escape velocity indicates its origin from a different star system after traversing billions of years through interstellar space. Once it exits our solar system, it will continue its intergalactic journey, never to return. Composed of ice and dust like most comets, it was scrutinized by numerous telescopes on Earth and in
