Hubble Space Telescope

Astronaut Owen Garriott Performs EVA During Skylab 3 - GPN-2002-000065

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Nancy Grace Roman with Space Telescope Model in 1966 (27154772837)

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Hubble mirror polishing

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Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is a space-based observatory that has revolutionized astronomy since its launch on April 24, 1990. Unlike ground-based telescopes, Hubble orbits above Earth's distorting atmosphere, which allows it to capture high-resolution images of astronomical objects with unparalleled clarity. This has made Hubble one of the most important instruments in the history of astronomy, contributing to significant discoveries in various fields such as cosmology, galactic astronomy, and planetary science.

Design and Capabilities

The Hubble Space Telescope is named after Edwin Hubble, an American astronomer who made pivotal discoveries in extragalactic astronomy. Hubble's design features a 2.4-meter (7.9 ft) primary mirror and five main scientific instruments that observe in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. These instruments include cameras and spectrographs that have been upgraded over the years through servicing missions conducted by NASA astronauts using the Space Shuttle.

Scientific Achievements

Hubble's contributions to science are numerous and varied. It played a key role in determining the rate of expansion of the Universe, known as the Hubble constant. It has captured detailed images of distant galaxies, providing insights into the structure and evolution of the Universe from shortly after the Big Bang to the present day. Hubble has also studied the atmospheres of exoplanets, observed the processes of star and planet formation within nebulae, and monitored the behavior of objects within our own Solar System, including the impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter.

Servicing Missions

Over its lifetime, Hubble has benefited from several servicing missions that have repaired and upgraded its systems and instruments. The most notable of these was the first servicing mission in 1993, which corrected the spherical aberration of the primary mirror. In total, five servicing missions, the last in 2009, have allowed Hubble to continue its scientific contributions beyond its expected lifespan.

Legacy and Future

The Hubble Space Telescope has had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe. Its images have not only advanced scientific knowledge but have also entered popular culture, inspiring a sense of wonder about the cosmos. The James Webb Space Telescope, launched in December 2021, is considered a successor to Hubble, though Hubble remains in operation and continues to contribute valuable observations. The synergy between Hubble and newer observatories promises to further expand our knowledge of the cosmos.

See Also

• James Webb Space Telescope
• Space Shuttle
• Edwin Hubble
• Astronomy
• Cosmology