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Written by: NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Published: 19 January 2025

Celebrate 35 years of Hubble observations with a year-long night sky stargazing adventure for amateur astronomy enthusiasts.

Do you have a telescope? Would you like to see some of the same night sky objects from the ground that Hubble has from space?

You are invited to commemorate Hubble’s 35th anniversary by accepting the year-long stargazing challenge.

On a clear night, find a safe location with a dark sky away from bright lights, point your telescope skyward, and with the help of star and finder charts, gaze upon some of the same iconic nebulae and galaxies Hubble has observed. How many of them can you find?

Hubble is working with The Astronomical League to coordinate the “Hubble’s Night Sky Observing Challenge” program, providing successful observers with recognition of their achievements.

The challenge includes two levels and observers do not need to be an Astronomical League member to participate. Visit The Astronomical League’s Hubble Night Sky Observing Challenge page to learn more about the requirements.

For amateur astronomy clubs, science centers, museums, and other astronomy enthusiasts, use these monthly lists as a guide to conduct star parties that provide an opportunity for the public to see some amazing astronomical objects in person.

Tips and useful info

• Each month of the year has its own list of night sky targets, found below. A large backyard telescope can see these objects under a dark sky away from city lights.
• Each month throughout 2025, Hubble will release the following month’s list of objects.
• While binoculars and smaller telescopes may reveal some of the brighter targets, we recommend using a telescope at least six inches in diameter for best viewing.
• You’re encouraged to compare the view of these objects in your telescope to images Hubble has taken of them. However, please keep in mind that, thanks to the blurring effects of looking through Earth’s atmosphere with a ground-based telescope, what you see will very likely not look quite the same as what Hubble, a space telescope located above the atmosphere, is able to see.
• Some targets may be visible from most locations on Earth, while others are only visible at specific latitudes and may not be accessible for those in other parts of the world. Each month has two lists of recommended objects: one for the Northern Hemisphere and another for the Southern Hemisphere. For best results, it’s recommended you use the list that corresponds to the part of the world you live in.
• These lists contain night sky targets from two different groups: the ones that begin with “M” are from the Messier catalog, while those that start with “C” are part of the Caldwell catalog.
• From the monthly pages, click on the object you would like to observe. The link takes you to a page that provides detailed information about the object, including a finder star chart that shows you where to look in the sky.
• Although each object’s page holds a finder chart, it’s suggested that you also use a detailed star chart to guide you toward the target you’d like to observe. Many books, software programs, apps, and websites provide star charts for the Messier and Caldwell objects on these lists.

To find night sky object lists by month, visit this page. Check back each month throughout 2025 to find the upcoming month's list of target objects.

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Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS

Published: 18 January 2025

LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lakeport Police Department said it has arrested an armed man who was involved in two separate fights this week and who had evaded officers until Friday afternoon.

Davon Keller, 27, of Lakeport was taken into custody on Friday on a warrant, according to a report from Chief Dale Stoebe.

At 9:36 p.m. Thursday, Lakeport Police officers were dispatched to the Chevron Fuel Station and Convenience Store at 202 S. Main St. in response to an ongoing physical altercation involving two male subjects, one of whom was reportedly armed with a knife, Stoebe said.

Upon arrival, officers contacted an adult male who reported being involved in the incident. Stoebe said the victim stated that he was approached by an unknown adult male who began yelling at him.

During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly brandished a large knife and chased the victim, seemingly attempting to stab him. Stoebe said the victim was able to evade the suspect, who fled the scene in the opposite direction.

Through a review of video surveillance footage, officers identified the suspect as Keller, who is currently on active post-release community supervision. Stoebe said police were familiar with Keller, as he had been reported to another law enforcement agency on Wednesday, after leaving a residence in North Lakeport on foot and possibly experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

Additionally, Stoebe said Keller was believed to be involved in a separate physical altercation that same day on the grounds of a Lakeport school with another adult male. The victim in that incident was uninjured and declined to pursue charges.

At approximately 10:20 p.m. on Thursday, officers patrolling the area around the Chevron station located Keller and attempted to contact him regarding the incident. Stoebe said Keller was uncooperative and fled from officers on five separate occasions between 10:20 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., after which officers were unable to locate him.

On Friday, Stoebe said the Lakeport Police Department Detective obtained a Ramey arrest warrant for Keller. Such warrants allow police to quickly detain suspects before charges have been filed.

Stoebe said his agency collaborated with the Lake County Probation Department and the Lake County Department of Behavioral Health to develop an operational plan aimed at locating Keller and assessing his behavioral health for referral or incarceration.

At approximately 1 Friday, Lakeport Police staff, along with Police K9 Olin, responded to Keller’s residence with the assistance of Lake County Probation. Keller was located and detained without incident.

Keller was ultimately booked into the Lake County Correctional Facility on the Ramey arrest warrant for assault with a deadly weapon, violation of post-release community supervision and obstructing or delaying a peace officer in the performance of their duties.

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Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS

Published: 18 January 2025

More than 100 new officers officially joined the California Highway Patrol on Friday during a swearing-in ceremony that marked a significant step in bolstering public safety across the state.

One-quarter of Friday’s graduating class will be deployed to Los Angeles County, where their service is urgently needed as the region grapples with the devastation from the ongoing wildfires. They will help augment the over 800 CHP officers on tactical alert in the area since the onset of this tragedy.

“These officers are stepping forward at a critical time for California,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Their training, dedication, and commitment to service will strengthen our ability to support communities statewide, especially in times of crisis.”

The CHP’s 106 new officers have completed 26 weeks of comprehensive and rigorous training to prepare them for law enforcement challenges, including emergency response and disaster relief.

Their assignments to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices throughout the state reflect a focused effort to address the immediate needs of communities while maintaining safety and security throughout California.

During their CHP Academy training, cadets receive broad-ranging training in areas including traffic enforcement, collision investigation, defensive tactics, firearms proficiency, emergency vehicle operations and community policing.

The instruction also focuses on laws and regulations pertinent to highway patrol responsibilities, communication abilities, ethical conduct and awareness of cultural diversity.

The CHP Academy's curriculum is designed to provide cadets with the indispensable knowledge and skills required to serve and safeguard the public on the roads of California effectively.

To learn more about a rewarding career of service with the CHP and to start your journey towards becoming a CHP officer, visit the CHP recruitment page at www.chpmadeformore.com.