This study investigates the role of astrocytes in synapse elimination, a critical process for neural circuit refinement in the developing and adult brain. Astrocytes, which constitute a significant portion of the brain's cells, were found to actively engulf synapses through the MEGF10 and MERTK phagocytic pathways. These pathways are essential for normal neural circuit pruning and refinement, as demonstrated by the failure of mice lacking both pathways to properly refine retinogeniculate connections. Astrocytes continuously engulf both excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the adult brain, suggesting that this process is an ongoing activity. The study also shows that retinal activity strongly promotes synapse elimination by enhancing astrocyte-mediated phagocytosis. These findings highlight a novel role for astrocytes in neural circuit development and maintenance, with implications for understanding learning, memory, and neurological diseases.This study investigates the role of astrocytes in synapse elimination, a critical process for neural circuit refinement in the developing and adult brain. Astrocytes, which constitute a significant portion of the brain's cells, were found to actively engulf synapses through the MEGF10 and MERTK phagocytic pathways. These pathways are essential for normal neural circuit pruning and refinement, as demonstrated by the failure of mice lacking both pathways to properly refine retinogeniculate connections. Astrocytes continuously engulf both excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the adult brain, suggesting that this process is an ongoing activity. The study also shows that retinal activity strongly promotes synapse elimination by enhancing astrocyte-mediated phagocytosis. These findings highlight a novel role for astrocytes in neural circuit development and maintenance, with implications for understanding learning, memory, and neurological diseases.