In the heart of Arizona, an event eagerly anticipated by astronomers worldwide begins today. The 247th annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) opens in Phoenix, and the city is truly buzzing with scientific energy. Thousands of researchers, professors, students, and space enthusiasts have gathered under one roof to discuss the most pressing issues in modern astronomy. This is not just a place for sharing discoveries — it’s where the future of the entire field is shaped, with every day promising fresh breakthroughs.
For five days, from January 4 to 8, the Phoenix Convention Center will host a true scientific marathon. The program is packed with dozens of panels, workshops, and presentations covering not only exoplanets and galaxy evolution but also the fate of upcoming space missions. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a championship final: passions are high and the stakes are even higher — after all, what’s at stake is our understanding of how the Universe works.
Exoplanets and new horizons
This year, exoplanet research takes center stage. NASA is organizing dedicated sessions where top experts discuss the latest discoveries and debate priorities for future missions. At the forefront is the Habitable Worlds Observatory project, which could prove crucial in the search for life beyond the Solar System. Scientists are exploring how new telescopes will not only detect potentially habitable planets, but also analyze their atmospheres for biosignatures — signs of life that could change our understanding of the cosmos.
The debates here go far beyond theory. Each presentation challenges established views, and every question from the audience can upend familiar scientific paradigms. Lively discussions in the corridors revolve around which technologies and methods will deliver the best results in the coming years. It’s precisely these heated debates that drive science forward.
Galaxies and cosmic mysteries
Sessions dedicated to the origin and evolution of galaxies promise to be just as captivating. On the agenda: fresh data from the James Webb (JWST), Hubble, and the Chile-based ALMA observatory. These tools make it possible to peer into the earliest epochs of the universe and witness the birth of the first galaxies. The latest findings have already forced a rethink of many long-held theories, while some reports sound almost like scientific breakthroughs.
Attention is also given to more ‘humble’ objects—brown dwarfs, faint dwarf galaxies, and the structure of the Milky Way’s outer edges. Such studies often serve as the starting point for new hypotheses and unexpected discoveries. This year, the organizers have focused on an interdisciplinary approach: astronomers, physicists, engineers, and even mathematicians are working side by side to unravel cosmic mysteries.
The future of telescopes
A key topic at the forum was preparations for the launch of the new Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is scheduled for no earlier than September 2026. A separate section was dedicated to this mission, focusing not only on technical details but also on its scientific objectives. Participants discussed how Roman’s capabilities will complement data from the JWST and ground-based observatories, particularly in the study of dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astronomy.
Meanwhile, NASA working groups are holding parallel meetings to set priorities for the coming years. This is where new mission ideas are born, concepts are debated, and even heated discussions take place about which goals should lead 21st-century astronomy. Off the record, there is ongoing talk about funding, international cooperation, and the growing role of private companies in space exploration.
People and Community
But it is not only discoveries and technologies that make this forum unique. This year, special attention is being paid to the role of young scientists and amateur astronomers. Special workshops, networking sessions, and even their own scientific projects have been organized for them. More and more amateurs are contributing to cutting-edge research, with their observations and data becoming part of major scientific programs.
The organizers emphasize that modern astronomy is a team effort. Progress is impossible without sharing experience, support, and joint efforts. That’s why the forum dedicates so much time to issues of education, career development, and building a professional community. Here, everyone can find like-minded colleagues, mentors, and even future project partners.
If you didn’t know, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) is the largest professional organization for astronomers in the US, with more than 8,000 members worldwide. The AAS annual meetings are considered the main platform for sharing scientific results, discussing new missions, and developing strategies for astronomical research. The society’s forums traditionally bring together leading experts, young scientists and enthusiasts, as well as representatives of space agencies and private companies.
