Space Telescopes

A space telescope is a telescope that is located in outer space to observe distant planets, galaxies, and other astronomical objects. These telescopes are equipped with advanced technology to capture images and data that are not possible from telescopes on Earth.

Types of Space Telescopes

There are different types of space telescopes, each designed for specific purposes:

• Hubble Space Telescope: The Hubble Space Telescope is one of the most famous space telescopes. It has provided stunning images and valuable data about the universe since its launch in 1990.
• Chandra X-ray Observatory: This telescope observes X-rays from high-energy regions of the universe, such as black holes and supernova remnants.
• Spitzer Space Telescope: Specializing in infrared astronomy, the Spitzer Space Telescope studies objects that emit infrared radiation, including dusty regions where stars are born.
• James Webb Space Telescope: Scheduled for launch in 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope is designed to be the premier observatory of the next decade, serving thousands of astronomers worldwide. It will study every phase in the history of our Universe, ranging from the first luminous glows after the Big Bang, to the formation of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets like Earth, to the evolution of our own Solar System.

How Space Telescopes Work

Space telescopes work similarly to terrestrial telescopes but have to overcome unique challenges, such as extreme temperatures and the lack of atmosphere. They are equipped with high-resolution cameras and instruments that can capture a wide range of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet rays, and X-rays.

Benefits of Space Telescopes

Space telescopes provide several advantages over ground-based telescopes, including:

• Unobstructed view of celestial objects without atmospheric distortion
• Ability to capture wavelengths of light blocked by Earth's atmosphere
• Access to regions of the electromagnetic spectrum that are not observable from the ground
• Longer observation times due to orbiting Earth

Study Guide

To better understand space telescopes, consider the following study guide:

1. Research the history of space telescopes, including notable missions and discoveries.
2. Explore the different types of space telescopes and their specific capabilities.
3. Investigate the challenges and engineering solutions involved in building and maintaining space telescopes.
4. Examine the impact of space telescopes on our understanding of the universe and their contributions to astronomy.
5. Compare and contrast the advantages and limitations of space telescopes versus ground-based telescopes.