Numerous researchers from across the globe have convened in Maryland this week to explore new findings regarding the universe and the most recent progress in astronomy during the event popularly known as the “Super Bowl of astronomy.”
The 245th Gathering of the American Astronomical Society, taking place from Jan. 12 to Jan. 16, will showcase several extraordinary insights from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which commenced its observations of the cosmos in 2022. This event is being hosted at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
The four-day event will encompass discussions not only about discoveries from the JWST but also recent insights from other groundbreaking missions like the Hubble Space Telescope, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM). The gathering will also delve into broader topics of astronomical research and comprise practical Python data analysis workshops aimed at educating astronomers on how to process data from JWST and Roman utilizing Python software.
AAS is deemed the “Super Bowl of astronomy” due to the importance and abundance of scientific studies presented, along with extensive participation from both professional and amateur astronomers, experts from NASA, researchers, as well as faculty and graduate scholars from universities. This event has historically represented the largest congregation of individuals committed to the study of astronomy globally.
This year, numerous sessions will be focused on presenting the latest JWST findings as the space telescope gears up for its upcoming fourth science cycle commencing in July. From investigations on the largest and most luminous galaxies, to the furthest, active supermassive black holes, and even analyses on cosmic dust and star formation, JWST has provided many fresh perspectives on the early universe during its first two years of observation.
Discussions at AAS 2025 will likewise emphasize direct imaging of black holes, the composition and structure of protoplanetary disks, the attributes of the dark universe, and the characterization of exoplanetary systems. Attendees will also have the chance to engage with various astronomical organizations (including representatives from NASA) and research teams displaying their latest technologies and endeavors at exhibition booths, along with attend town hall meetings that serve as open forums for discussions on significant astronomical themes and future missions.
A comprehensive list of scheduled events and discussion topics can be found in the program available online. AAS and NASA will stream daily press briefings highlighting the latest findings facilitated by NASA missions, which will be live on the AAS Press Office YouTube channel.
The news briefings are planned for 10:15 a.m. EST (1515 GMT) and 2:15 p.m. EST (1915 GMT) daily, with an additional briefing on Thursday (Jan. 16) — the final day of the conference — at 12:45 p.m. EST (1745 GMT). You can find the list of press briefings here, detailing what scientists will discuss in each session throughout the next four days.