Space telescope hubble

Launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope revolutionized astronomy with crisp images of the universe and discoveries about cosmic expansion.

About this subject

The Hubble Space Telescope is an orbital observatory that has been operating since 1990, positioned about 540 km above Earth. Its location above the atmosphere allows it to capture undistorted images, revealing distant galaxies, nebulae, and exoplanets. Hubble was crucial in determining the expansion rate of the universe, leading to the discovery of dark energy. The telescope has a 2.4-meter diameter and has performed over 1.5 million observations. Over the years, it underwent five servicing missions by astronauts, which upgraded instruments and extended its lifespan. One of its most famous images is the Hubble Deep Field, showing thousands of galaxies in a small patch of sky. Hubble also helped measure the age of the universe at 13.8 billion years. Despite its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble continues to operate, providing complementary data in visible and ultraviolet light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hubble's main contribution to science?

Hubble helped discover that the universe is expanding at an accelerated rate, leading to the concept of dark energy. It also provided detailed images of nebulae, stars, and galaxies, and contributed to determining the age of the universe.

How many servicing missions did Hubble receive?

Hubble received five servicing missions between 1993 and 2009, performed by astronauts aboard the space shuttle. These missions installed new instruments, repaired components, and enhanced its capabilities.

Is Hubble still operational today?

Yes, Hubble continues to operate, although limited by technical issues such as gyroscope failures. It still conducts scientific observations and complements the James Webb Space Telescope, which operates in infrared.