Today marks a monumental milestone in space exploration as ESA’s XMM-Newton spacecraft celebrates its 25th anniversary since its launch on December 10, 1999. This groundbreaking X-ray observatory has transformed our understanding of the universe, revealing the hidden workings of celestial bodies from our Solar System to the furthest reaches of space.

XMM-Newton was a game-changer in X-ray astronomy, and its ongoing discoveries are nothing short of astounding. To commemorate its silver anniversary, let's dive into five significant findings from the past five years that illustrate its remarkable capabilities.

1. Jupiter's X-Ray Auroras Uncovered!

XMM-Newton has helped solve a four-decade-long mystery surrounding Jupiter's X-ray auroras. By combining its observations with data from NASA's Juno mission, scientists have unveiled the mechanism behind these dazzling displays. As Jupiter rotates, it drags its magnetic field, compressing it and heating the trapped particles, which ultimately results in spectacular X-ray auroras at its poles.

2. Redefining Neutron Stars