The Europlanet Science Congress 2025 is set to be a significant event in the realm of planetary science, occurring from September 7 to 12, 2025, at the esteemed Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, Finland. This congress will be uniquely held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society’s Division of Planetary Science. With an expected attendance of around 1800 participants—both in-person and online—this meeting marks a pivotal moment in European planetary science discourse and collaboration.
As the largest planetary science gathering ever hosted in Europe, the congress is not only a platform for researchers to present their latest work and discoveries but also a venue for networking and collaboration among scientists, media representatives, and space agencies. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions surrounding the most pressing issues in planetary science, share knowledge, and explore the intricate dynamics of celestial bodies, which collectively contribute to our understanding of the universe.
Among the highlights of the EPSC-DPS2025 are the scheduled press briefings that will showcase some of the most groundbreaking research and developments in planetary defence and exploration. The press office will ensure livestreams of these events for wider accessibility and dissemination of findings to a global audience, thereby enhancing the reach and impact of the scientific discussions taking place.
The first press briefing will occur on Monday, September 8, 2025, and will focus on the RAMSES mission to the asteroid Apophis. This mission is crucial in advancing our understanding of asteroids, specifically in terms of planetary defense mechanisms. The RAMSES mission—an acronym for the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety—aims to meticulously characterize the asteroid (99942) Apophis as it approaches Earth in April 2029. This close encounter provides a unique opportunity to study the asteroid’s physical properties, understand how small celestial bodies respond to external forces, and ultimately drive advancements in our planetary defence strategies.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has spearheaded this mission, and its results could significantly enhance our ability to predict and mitigate potential collision scenarios with other near-Earth objects in the future. The press briefing will present up-to-date information regarding the mission’s progress, objectives, scientific payloads, and collaborations with international partners. The decisions made by Europe’s space ministers at the ESA Ministerial Council in November 2025 regarding the launch of RAMSES are particularly critical and will determine the future of this ambitious endeavour.
This briefing will feature a lineup of experts, including Monica Lazzarin from the University of Padova, who will delve into the scientific aspects of RAMSES and its payloads. Patrick Michel from the CNRS and the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur will provide insights into mission status and upcoming milestones, while Seiji Sugita from the University of Tokyo will discuss Japan’s contribution to the project. Their collective expertise will not only highlight the scientific objectives of RAMSES but also emphasize the collaborative nature of space exploration.
Following this engaging session, the second press briefing on Thursday, September 11, 2025, will focus on recent discoveries from the Juno mission, another cornerstone of planetary science. The Juno spacecraft, which has been orbiting Jupiter since 2016, has provided scientists with unprecedented insights into the gas giant’s atmosphere, magnetic field, and potential for supporting life on its moons. This briefing will draw attention to specific findings, including the in-situ and remote observations of the ultraviolet footprint of Jupiter’s moon Callisto.
A significant aspect of the upcoming Juno briefing will be the contributions of Scott Bolton and Vincent Hue, who have played vital roles in analyzing Juno’s data. They will elaborate on the significance of the mission’s findings and how they contribute to our broader understanding of planetary systems. The insights garnered from Juno underscore the importance of continued exploration beyond Earth, revealing the complex and dynamic nature of our celestial neighbors.
In addition to mediating discussions on these impactful missions, the congress will also serve as a platform for researchers to share their work through presentations, posters, and collaborative forums. Attendees are expected to explore a variety of topics ranging from planetary atmospheres to surface geology and from habitability assessments to the intricacies of cosmic phenomena influencing planetary evolution.
As the participants engage in dialogue, they will have the opportunity to exchange ideas on future research directions and collaboratively develop new strategies for addressing the challenges faced by the field of planetary science. Key discussions will revolve around enhancing observational capabilities, conducting groundbreaking experiments, and fostering international cooperation in planetary exploration.
The growing recognition and support for planetary science are indicative of the discipline’s crucial role in expanding our understanding of both our solar system and the broader universe. As humanity faces various challenges, including climate change and planetary protection, insights derived from studying other worlds can unlock critical knowledge about our own planet’s future.
By bridging key areas of research and generating discourse among leading experts, the Europlanet Science Congress 2025 is poised to be a transformative event. Its contributions to the landscape of planetary science are expected to resonate well beyond the event itself, paving the way for future endeavors and discoveries that enhance our knowledge of the cosmos.
The engagement of the media in these discussions will play a vital role in public outreach, helping to inspire future generations of scientists and curious minds. As critical advancements are shared and celebrated, the Europlanet Science Congress will undoubtedly mark a milestone in our collective quest for knowledge and exploration.
The combination of a large gathering of scientists, significant research presentations, and collaborative discussions positions EPSC-DPS2025 as a cornerstone event that will harness the collective expertise of the global planetary science community, ultimately aiding humanity’s exploration and understanding of space.
Subject of Research: Planetary Defense and Space Exploration
Article Title: Advancements in Planetary Science to be Showcased at EPSC-DPS2025
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Keywords
Planetary science, EPSC-DPS2025, RAMSES mission, Juno mission, asteroid Apophis, celestial bodies, planetary defense, European Space Agency, scientific collaboration, space exploration, cosmic phenomena, planetary atmospheres.
