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Celebrate Hubble’s 35th Year with This Observing Challenge – Sky & Telescope

Celebrate Hubble’s 35th Year with This Observing Challenge – Sky & Telescope


The Crab Nebula in Taurus is the six-light-year-wide remnant of a supernova explosion seen in 1054 AD. This composite image was assembled from 24 exposures by the Hubble Space Telescope’s Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2, but at an apparent magnitude of 8.4, the nebula is within reach of backyard telescopes.

In honor of the Hubble Space Telescope’s 35th anniversary, NASA, in conjunction with the Astronomical League, has developed a new observing challenge for 2025. Amateur astronomers wishing to undertake the challenge will observe celestial objects that Hubble has seen, selected to be within reach of backyard telescopes at least six inches in aperture and under dark skies.

Lists are available for both Northern and Southern Hemisphere observers. Every month throughout 2025, Hubble will release the following month’s list of objects. January’s list is available here! The webpages provide finder charts for each object, though more detailed star charts can also be useful.  

These monthly lists can also serve as a guide for star parties, providing an opportunity for the public to see some amazing astronomical objects in person.

Awards and Eligibility

Certificates and a pin are available to those who meet the requirements. This challenge is open to everyone and there is no cost.

Silver certificates will be issued for every month that participants observe at least one celestial object on the list as well as conducts one outreach activity related to the Hubble Space Telescope.

Gold certificates and a pin will be issued at the end of the year to anyone who observes at least four objects on the list every month (a total of 48 observations — including January!) and does at least four outreach activities.

More information and the lists are available on the NASA’s website:  and additional details are available on the Astronomical League’s website.

Article by:Source – Editors of Sky & Telescope

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