Spot a Rare Einstein Cross and Back-to-Back Novae

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Read news from the world of astronomy for the week of September 26, 2025.

This week in the world of astronomy, see back-to-back novae and a rare Einstein Cross. Plus, learn about NASA's latest solar missions.

Astronomers Spot Rare Einstein Cross — and a Massive Clump of Dark Matter

The discovery of a rare Einstein Cross — five images of the same galaxy — reveals a trillion-solar-mass dark matter clump.

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NASA Launches Three Missions to Observe the Sun

Three new heliophysics missions seek to unlock the secrets space weather, the region where the solar wind collides with cosmic radiation and more.

NASA's VIPER Mission Has Found Another Ride to the Moon

VIPER, a water-seeking rover, has gotten a new lease on life, with a new launch vehicle and lander announced by NASA.

Water Worlds Might Be Few and Far Between

Primordial chemistry might destroy most of the water on sub-Neptunes; if so, there could be far fewer “water worlds” than previously thought.

Observing Highlights

This Week's Sky at a Glance, September 26 – October 5

In the sky tonight, Cygnus the Swan floats nearly straight overhead. Its brightest stars form the big Northern Cross. Face southwest and crane your head way, way up, and the cross appears to stand upright. It's about two fists at arm's length tall, with Deneb as its top. Or to put it another way, when you face southwest the Swan appears to be flying downward along the Milky Way.

Australian Amateur Discovers Back-to-back Novae!

An Australian amateur has discovered a binocular nova on the first day of fall, visible to viewers in the Southern Hemisphere.

September Podcast: Hello, Saturn!

September’s night sky features the iconic Summer Triangle, almost directly overhead at nightfall, and a newcomer to the evening sky: the planet Saturn.

Presented by: Celestron.

International Observe the Moon Night

Come celebrate Earth’s closest neighbor! Outside, Bell Museum will have telescopes set up to observe the Moon. Inside, learn about the geology of the Moon and the history of Moon exploration.