DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a C-8 Celestron telescope to donate to astronomy buffs at local schools, or to an astronomy club. If anyone has an interest, please e-mail me at fred04276@twc.com. — Fred, no town

ANSWER: Check in with your local library if you don’t hear from any schools or other nonprofits!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: There is an ever-growing pile of dirt at Snow Road and Route 136 in Durham. All the action there takes place after dark. Can you tell readers why it is there and why it is only worked on at night? — No name, no town

ANSWER: According to the Durham road commissioner, the Maine Department of Transportation owns the pile and the land it is sitting on. This pile consists of material used for reclamation projects and is most likely added to at the end of the day when trucks are unloaded.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You’ve helped me a lot the past few years so I have another couple of questions: I watch CNN a lot, but I haven’t seen Pamela Brown or Sara Murray in the past month or so. I haven’t heard anything, but maybe they are on vacation or were transferred. Also, is Erin Burnett on CNN? Is she married? If so, to whom? — No name, no town

ANSWER: I found this CNN snippet dated Jan. 9, 2018. I hope it answers your first two questions. Everyone is still on the job with CNN, just with different assignments.

“Pamela Brown has moved from the Justice Department to the White House beat, joining Jeff Zeleny as CNN senior White House correspondents and work in conjunction with CNN’s extensive team of digital White House reporters.

After three years on the Trump beat, Sara Murray joined CNN’s Justice Department team, principally covering the Russia investigation.”

CNN’s “Outfront” anchor, Erin Burnett and her husband, David Rubulotto, just welcomed their third child, a boy, to the family only about a week ago.

Hope this satisfies your curiosity about those CNN celebs, for now!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: It seems like eating avocados are all the rage these days. Are they really that good for you? I’m not sure I’m convinced. — Bill, Lisbon

ANSWER: As we write, there are all kinds of studies being conducted by universities and hospitals about the multiple benefits of eating avocado. I only have so much room for this column but will touch on the avocado’s highlights.

Like olive oil, avocados and avocado oil are high in monounsaturated oleic acid, a heart-healthy fatty acid. Numerous studies have shown that eating avocados can improve heart disease risk factors like total bad LDL and good HDL cholesterol, as well as blood triglycerides. They may aid in weight loss by keeping you full longer and causing you to eat fewer calories. They are also rich in fiber, about 7 percent by weight, which is very high compared to other foods. Avocados also contain a high amount of potassium and Vitamin K as well as 11 other vitamins and minerals.

You can use avocados in smoothies, salads, desserts, spread on toast, and in pasta dishes… Tell you what, readers, if you have a particularly inspiring way you get your daily avocado into you, please write to Sun Spots and I will share the recipe!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.