Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope is a powerful tool used by astronomers to observe distant objects in the universe. It was launched into low Earth orbit in 1990 and has since provided unprecedented views of celestial phenomena.

History

The idea for a space-based observatory was first proposed in the 1940s, but it wasn't until 1977 that the Hubble Space Telescope project was formally started. The telescope was named after astronomer Edwin Hubble, who is famous for his work on galaxies and the expansion of the universe.

Key Features

The Hubble Space Telescope is equipped with a 2.4-meter primary mirror and a suite of scientific instruments that allow it to capture images in visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared light. It orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 547 kilometers (340 miles) and takes about 97 minutes to complete one orbit.

Scientific Discoveries

Since its launch, the Hubble Space Telescope has made numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including the precise measurement of the expansion rate of the universe, the detection of exoplanets, and the observation of distant galaxies. It has also provided detailed images of nebulae, star clusters, and other cosmic phenomena.

Study Guide

1. Describe the history of the Hubble Space Telescope project.
2. Explain the key features of the Hubble Space Telescope, including its primary mirror and scientific instruments.
3. Discuss at least three significant scientific discoveries made possible by the Hubble Space Telescope.
4. Compare and contrast the capabilities of ground-based telescopes with those of the Hubble Space Telescope.
5. Research a specific Hubble Space Telescope image and describe its significance in the field of astronomy.