Meet Palomar Observatory's First Woman Director and a Very Hungry Rogue Planet

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Read news from the world of astronomy for the week of October 10, 2025.

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This week in the world of astronomy, meet Palomar Observatory's first woman director and a very hungry rogue planet. Plus, don't miss out on experiencing truly dark skies.

This Week's Sky at a Glance, October 10 – 19

In tonight's sky, W-shaped Cassiopeia stands on end high in the northeast, halfway to the zenith. Off to its left in the north, the dim Little Dipper runs leftward from Polaris to Kochab, Polaris's equal. How much of the Little Dipper you can or cannot see is a quick check of your light pollution.

Rogue World Found Gobbling Material at Unprecedented Rate

Astronomers discovered a small, free-floating object that’s accreting matter at a breakneck pace.

Palomar's First Woman Director Leads Historic Observatory to New Era in Transient Astronomy

Astrophysicist Mansi Manoj Kasliwal, whose work has been key to understanding the changing infrared sky, is guiding Palomar Observatory into its next chapter.

NASA Faces Government Shutdown, Funding Fears Rise

While civil servants are furloughed or working without pay, funding for NASA remains uncertain.

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Observing Highlights

Get Thee to a Dark Sky Site!

The experience of truly dark skies is one that no one should miss.

Andromeda-Pegasus-inset-M31-label-web image

October Podcast: Pegasus Leads the Way

Pegasus is a large, distinctive constellation that’s easy to spot. During October, you can use it — along with Saturn — to find some amazing celestial sights in their vicinity.

Presented by: Celestron.

October SBAS Star Party

The Shreveport-Bossier Astronomical Society, Inc. will host a free public star party on October 18, 2025 at the Shreveport Observatory.

S&T Globes are Back in Stock!

Have your very own model of the Moon in your office. Explore the detailed locations of every solar eclipse until 2100! See Mars, Venus, Mercury, and so much more up close. Grab yours before they're gone.