For the 26th birthday of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers are highlighting a Hubble image of an enormous bubble being blown into space by a super-hot, massive star.

The Hubble image of the Bubble Nebula, or NGC 7635, was chosen to mark the 26th anniversary of the launch of Hubble into Earth orbit by the STS-31 space shuttle crew on April 24, 1990.

“As Hubble makes its 26th revolution around our home star, the sun, we celebrate the event with a spectacular image of a dynamic and exciting interaction of a young star with its environment. The view of the Bubble Nebula, crafted from WFC-3 images, reminds us that Hubble gives us a front row seat to the awe inspiring Universe we live in,” said John Grunsfeld, Hubble astronaut and associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, in Washington, D.C.

The Bubble Nebula is 7 light-years across – about one-and-a-half times the distance from our sun to its nearest stellar neighbor, Alpha Centauri, and resides 7,100 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cassiopeia.

The seething star forming this nebula is 45 times more massive than our sun. Gas on the star gets so hot that it escapes away into space as a “stellar wind” moving at over 4 million miles per hour. This outflow sweeps up the cold, interstellar gas in front of it, forming the outer edge of the bubble much like a snowplow piles up snow in front of it as it moves forward.

As the surface of the bubble's shell expands outward, it slams into dense regions of cold gas on one side of the bubble. This asymmetry makes the star appear dramatically off-center from the bubble, with its location in the 10 o'clock position in the Hubble view.

Dense pillars of cool hydrogen gas laced with dust appear at the upper left of the picture, and more “fingers” can be seen nearly face-on, behind the translucent bubble.

The gases heated to varying temperatures emit different colors: oxygen is hot enough to emit blue light in the bubble near the star, while the cooler pillars are yellow from the combined light of hydrogen and nitrogen.

The pillars are similar to the iconic columns in the “Pillars of Creation” Eagle Nebula. As seen with the structures in the Eagle Nebula, the Bubble Nebula pillars are being illuminated by the strong ultraviolet radiation from the brilliant star inside the bubble.

The Bubble Nebula was discovered in 1787 by William Herschel, a prominent British astronomer. It is being formed by an O star, BD +60º2522, an extremely bright, massive, and short-lived star that has lost most of its outer hydrogen and is now fusing helium into heavier elements. The star is about 4 million years old, and in 10 million to 20 million years, it will likely detonate as a supernova.

Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 imaged the nebula in visible light with unprecedented clarity in February 2016. The colors correspond to blue for oxygen, green for hydrogen, and red for nitrogen. This information will help astronomers understand the geometry and dynamics of this complex system.

The Bubble Nebula is one of only a handful of astronomical objects that have been observed with several different instruments onboard Hubble. Hubble also imaged it with the Wide Field Planetary Camera (WFPC) in September of 1992, and with Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) in April of 1999.

The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, conducts Hubble science operations. STScI is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy in Washington, D.C.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Law enforcement officials from around Northern California and Lake County community members dedicated Sunday to giving a Lake County Sheriff's deputy a heartfelt welcome home.

The body of Deputy Jake Steely was brought home Sunday afternoon via a miles-long procession of police and fire agency vehicles.

The procession was the long unwinding of a shattering week for Steely's family, friends, and his brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community, who honored the 39-year-old father and husband and his work as an officer and deputy with a mix of deep affection, pride and protectiveness.

On Monday, Steely and his 11-year-old son were rescued from the ocean at Mendocino Headlands State Park. It has been reported that Steely was mortally injured trying to save his son from the water.

That same day Steely was flown to Enloe Hospital in Chico, where he remained in intensive care.

By Thursday afternoon, however, doctors had determined he was brain dead. But Steely's death would end up saving more lives, as it has been his wish that his organs be donated.

On Sunday at around noon, Sheriff Brian Martin reported that he and group escorting Steely and his family left Chico.

A larger contingent of law enforcement agencies waited to join the procession at Williams, where ladder trucks held a flag over Highway 20.

From there the procession moved quickly westward, through the hills and over Highway 20's winding route, toward home.

The group of dozens of law enforcement vehicles arrived at the intersection of Highway 20 and Highway 53 east of Clearlake Oaks shortly ahead of the scheduled time of 2:30 p.m. before turning south to travel around the lake through Lower Lake and Kelseyville, on the way to Lakeport.

Agencies represented came from all over Northern California, including police, fire, sheriff's offices, California State Parks, Cal Fire, California Highway Patrol and the US Forest Service. Among them was the Redwood City Police Department, an agency where Steely was reported to have accepted a job offer. Patriot Guard riders on motorcycles also accompanied the procession.

Lining the route were hundreds of Lake County residents, many holding signs and American flags.

In downtown Lakeport, preparations for Steely's passage through town had begun early Sunday morning, when Boy Scout Troop No. 42 placed American flags along the route on Main Street.

About an hour before the procession arrived, two ladder trucks parked on either side of Main Street at Third Street, flying a large American flag that whipped in the unseasonably cold, sharp wind.

Well ahead of the procession's arrival, downtown Lakeport filled up quickly, with people spilling into the streets.

When the procession neared, a REACH air ambulance hovered overhead, signaling its arrival from a distance.

It took close to 10 minutes for the approximately 113 vehicles – all but about six of them were police and sheriff's cruisers and fire trucks – and nearly 30 motorcycles traveling with the procession to pass under the American flag on their way to the final point in the route, Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary.

A public funeral for Steely is expected to take place later this week. Details are still forthcoming.

Accounts to help Steely's family are receiving donations online at https://www.gofundme.com/29y4dxk4 , and at Mendo Lake Credit Union in Lakeport under the name “Deputy Jake Steely Family.”

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Dogs in a variety of sizes and breeds – from little terriers to larger shepherd and boxer mixes – are waiting to meet you at Lake County Animal Care and Control this week.

This week's available dogs include mixes of boxer, Cairn terrier, Chihuahua, corgi, Labrador Retriever, pit bull and shepherd.

Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.

In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .

The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).

Male shepherd mix

This handsome male shepherd mix is listed as “urgent” because he has been at the shelter for more than a month and needs a new home immediately.

When he originally arrived in the shelter March 17, he didn't really know what a leash was; now, however, he walks like a perfect gentlemen. In the play yard, he comes immediately with food as a motivator.

He has no food aggression towards people or dogs, and allows handling of ears, mouth, paws and tail without any problems. He has avoided cats when tested.

Shelter staff said he would make a great pet for a family with kids, and has a great fun loving personality.

He's in kennel No. 8, ID No. 4560.

Female Chihuahuas

These two female Chihuahuas have short multicolored coats.

They're in kennel No. 3a and No. 22, ID Nos. 4637 and 4636, respectively.

'Cali'

“Cali” is a female Labrador Retriever that shelter staff said is very sweet.

She has a short yellow coat.

Cali already is spaied so her adoption fee will be $71 instead of $161.

She's in kennel No. 6, ID No. 4683.

'Chato'

“Chato” is an older male corgi and pit bull terrier mix.

He's in kennel No. 7, ID No. 4759.

Male Chihuahua mix

This male Chihuahua mix has an all-white coat.

He's in kennel No. 17, ID No. 4591.

Female Cairn terrier

This female Cairn terrier was found as a stray on the Hopland Grade.

She has a curly medium-length brown coat.

She's in kennel No. 18a, ID No. 4755.

Female Cairn terrier

This young female Cairn terrier was found as a stray on the Hopland Grade.

She has a long brown and white coat.

She's in kennel No. 18b, ID No. 4756.

'Snowball'

“Snowball” is a female Chihuahua mix with a short tan and white coat.

She's in kennel No. 19a, ID No. 4705.

'Smokey'

“Smokey” is a Chihuahua in need of a new home.

He is in kennel No. 19b, ID No. 4706.

Female Chihuahua

This female Chihuahua mix has an all-white coat.

She's in kennel No. 23, ID No. 4733.

Female pit bull mix

This female pit bull mix has a short gray and white coat.

She's in kennel No. 25, ID No. 4588.

Female pit bull terrier mix

This female pit bull terrier mix has a short gray and white coat.

She's in kennel No. 29, ID No. 4749.

'Rosie'

“Rosie” is a female boxer-pit bull mix.

She has a short brown brindle coat with white markings.

Her adoption fee will be less expensive due to already being spayed.

She's in kennel No. 32, ID No. 4670.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Seven adult cats are waiting for adoption at Lake County Animal Care and Control this week.

The cats include three males and four females – tabbies, calicoes and a Siamese.

In addition to spaying or neutering, cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are microchipped before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.

In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .

The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).

Domestic short hair

This female domestic short hair mix has calico markings.

She's in cat room kennel No. 8, ID No. 4747.

'Garfield'

“Garfield” is a male domestic short hair mix with an orange tabby coat.

Shelter staff said they are calling him Garfield because he looks and acts just like the cartoon cat. They've not said if that includes a taste for lasagna.

He's in cat room kennel No. 13, ID No. 4750.

'Chip'

“Chip” is a female domestic short hair mix cat with gray tabby and white coat.

She's in cat room kennel No. 28, ID No. 4669.

'Misty'

“Misty” is an adult female domestic short hair mix with a gray and white coat.

She's in cat room kennel No. 32, ID No. 4727.

Male Siamese

This male Siamese has a short white coat with dark markings.

He's in cat room kennel No. 34, ID No. 4739.

Gray male tabby

This domestic short hair mix has a gray tabby coat with white markings.

Shelter staff said he is recovering from an injured – possibly broken – leg.

He is in cat room kennel No. 58, ID No. 4753.

'Kiki'

“Kiki” is a calico with a short coat.

She's in cat room kennel No. 84, ID No. 4758.

Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

“Everything is clearer when you're in love.” – John Lennon

“Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” – Robert Frost

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Found in our own ancient lake's 44,000 acres, the Western Grebe is an elegant bird to behold.

Now, in springtime they can be found performing breathtaking mating dances. First, you will hear their distinctive “kree – ee” – a call like no other.

Next you can spy on their romantic aquatic efforts to lure a partner. The black and white birds “run” across the lake for dozens of yards. This maneuver is called “rushing.”

You can find them dining a deux, but instead of a pasta dinner for two at the local eatery they dine on delectable, silvery fish.

After diving under water, one bird comes up with a finny offering in its beak, then feeds it to its mate.

Grebes also can be seen diving for green strands of lake vegetation, which they then offer to their mate as ideal nesting material.

Grebes gather in colonies and build nests with reeds. These floating houses must not be disturbed during nesting time in the spring, as they may be home to between one and seven eggs.

The Western Grebe can be differentiated from another species of grebe found on Clear Lake, Clark's Grebe, by the black cap that extends along and below the eye. The Western Grebe also has a more pointy, longer beak than that of the Clark's.

Western Grebes have a wingspan of about 32 inches, and grow 21 to 29 inches in length.

Grebes are found not only in lakes, but also ponds and marshes. Their habitat includes estuaries and sea coasts in the winter season.

According to ornithologists, there are 22 species of grebes found in the world.

Studies have turned up a relationship between flamingos and grebes, due to around 11 traits that they both hold in common. The traits are known as morphological traits, and have not been detected on other birds.

Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is an educator, potter, writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.” She also writes for NASA and JPL as one of their “Solar System Ambassadors.” She was selected “Lake County Teacher of the Year, 1998-99” by the Lake County Office of Education, and chosen as one of 10 state finalists the same year by the California Department of Education.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Thursday Mendocino College's first Sustainable Technology construction class to take place in Lake County presented Orphan Dog rescue with a brand new kennel.

The Construction Fundamentals class, led by local contractor and course instructor Glenn Mueller, had as one of its first projects the building of the kennel for Orphan Dog, according to college Sustainable Technology Program Coordinator Jen Riddell.

First Pick Construction, Lucerne Roofing and Trex Building Materials sponsored the project, with Orphan Dog and Mueller donating additional materials and plans, and the students and Mueller providing the labor, Riddell said.

Fancier than the run-of-the-mill kennel, the class' finished product had a roof, windows, blue siding and a small chainlink area.

It also featured a small sign dubbing it the “Hanna Scully Suite,” in honor of Miss Lake County's Outstanding Teen Hanna Scully, who has been a dedicated supporter of Orphan Dog.

She and her mother Pam recently even helped pick up two dogs from Clearlake Animal Control and transport them to the rescue after the dogs had run out of time in the shelter.

Orphan Dog, based on an 80-acre ranch near Lakeport, has – as of this year – rescued 3,000 dogs in Lake, Mendocino and Humboldt counties and found them new homes.

The all-volunteer group, led by Karen Schaver, also is leading the “FIX Lake County” initiative to help stop the high rate of unwanted animals in the county.

Low-income pet owners who need help with spay/neuter services can contact Orphan Dog at http://www.orphandog.org/info/display?PageID=16604 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request an application.

Follow the rescue and keep up-to-date on its events and available dogs, or make a donation at https://www.facebook.com/OrphanDog/?fref=ts .

Riddell said the class is next set to head out to the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum in Kelseyville to help with projects there.

She said the class is a win-win in that it offers building skills while also benefiting the community.

Riddell said the class will be offered again this summer, beginning June 16, and in coming semesters. Visit www.mendocino.edu for more information.
 
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.