Scientists at Durham University are at the forefront of global space exploration, playing pivotal roles in shaping missions, developing crucial instruments, and unveiling new cosmic phenomena. The university recently hosted the UK’s National Astronomy Meeting in 2025, drawing nearly 1,000 space scientists from across the globe to discuss the future of astronomy.
Durham’s contributions to space exploration are significant, particularly in the development of a core imaging instrument for NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory. This groundbreaking mission aims to discover and study Earth-like planets beyond our Solar System. With a focus on high-resolution cameras, Durham’s researchers are working to measure planet masses and detect atmospheric signs of water, oxygen, or methane.
Mapping the Cosmos and Beyond
In a remarkable achievement, the 4MOST telescope in Chile, which involves substantial contributions from Durham, has captured its first light. This marks a new era in large-scale spectroscopic surveys. The instrument is capable of simultaneously recording spectra from thousands of stars and galaxies, providing insights into their chemical compositions and motions.
Meanwhile, the DESI (Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument) team, with Durham scientists playing a leading role, has been awarded the 2026 Berkeley Prize for outstanding contributions to astronomy. DESI’s massive 3D cosmic maps are reshaping our understanding of dark energy and the evolution of the Universe.
Celebrated Global Astronomy Collaborations
Durham’s involvement extends to the Vera Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time, where the university helps manage vast data and leads global efforts to track black holes and dark matter. A major study utilizing data from Hubble and Gaia has challenged the long-held theory that the Milky Way will collide with the Andromeda galaxy in 4.5 billion years. Simulations conducted by Durham physicists suggest a minimal chance of such a merger within the next 5 billion years, with many scenarios indicating both galaxies may continue undisturbed.
Science Showcased at National Astronomy Meeting 2025
The National Astronomy Meeting 2025, hosted by Durham, welcomed hundreds of global space experts. Researchers presented cutting-edge work across astronomy and cosmology, including new insights into galaxy growth, the nature of the universe, and the physics of black holes.
The conference theme of community underscored the broader engagement ethos of NAM 2025, involving school students, community groups, industry professionals, artists, and the general public through talks, workshops, exhibitions, and outreach events. This inclusive approach highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing astronomical research.
“The Millennium Simulation remains the largest and most realistic simulation of cosmic structure growth and galaxy formation. It was the first to follow dark matter evolution in a representative universe patch with enough detail to resolve the dark matter clumps or ‘halos’ where galaxies form.” — The Virgo Consortium
Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Exploration
As Durham continues to contribute to global space missions, the implications of their work are vast. By developing technologies to explore Earth-like planets and mapping the cosmos, Durham is helping to answer fundamental questions about our universe’s origins and future. The ongoing collaborations and discoveries not only advance scientific knowledge but also inspire future generations of astronomers.
With the continued support of international collaborations and innovative research, Durham University is poised to remain a leader in the exploration of space and time, pushing the boundaries of what is known and what is possible.
