Hubble Space Telescope

Definition

The Hubble Space Telescope is a space-based observatory launched in 1990 that has provided invaluable data and stunning images of the universe. It operates above Earth's atmosphere, allowing for clearer observations of celestial objects and phenomena across various wavelengths, primarily in visible and ultraviolet light. This telescope has significantly advanced our understanding of the universe, including the age of the universe, the existence of dark energy, and the formation of galaxies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hubble has made over 1.5 million observations since its launch, contributing to thousands of scientific papers.
2. It orbits Earth at an altitude of about 547 kilometers (approximately 340 miles), allowing it to bypass atmospheric distortion.
3. One of Hubble's major contributions is measuring the rate of expansion of the universe, leading to evidence for dark energy.
4. The telescope's ability to observe distant galaxies has helped astronomers understand galaxy formation and evolution over billions of years.
5. Hubble has also captured iconic images such as the Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula, showcasing stunning details of star formation.

Review Questions

• How does the Hubble Space Telescope enhance our understanding of cosmic phenomena compared to ground-based telescopes?
  • The Hubble Space Telescope enhances our understanding of cosmic phenomena by operating above Earth's atmosphere, which eliminates atmospheric distortion and allows for clearer images. This clarity enables astronomers to observe celestial objects in greater detail across various wavelengths, particularly in visible and ultraviolet light. As a result, Hubble has contributed to groundbreaking discoveries about the structure and evolution of galaxies, as well as providing insights into the fundamental workings of the universe.
• Discuss the impact of Hubble's discoveries on our knowledge of dark energy and the expansion of the universe.
  • Hubble's discoveries have had a significant impact on our knowledge of dark energy and the expansion of the universe. By observing distant supernovae, astronomers found that these explosions were fainter than expected, indicating that the universe's expansion is accelerating. This led to the hypothesis that dark energy makes up about 68% of the universe's total energy content. Hubble's precise measurements have allowed scientists to refine their understanding of cosmic distances and fundamentally changed how we perceive the dynamics of our universe.
• Evaluate how advancements made by the Hubble Space Telescope have shaped modern astronomy and our understanding of cosmology.
  • Advancements made by the Hubble Space Telescope have profoundly shaped modern astronomy and our understanding of cosmology. By providing high-resolution images and data that reveal previously unseen details about celestial objects, Hubble has redefined concepts such as galaxy formation and cosmic distance scales. Its findings have led to major breakthroughs like confirming the existence of dark energy and refining estimates for the age of the universe. These contributions not only expand our scientific knowledge but also inspire ongoing exploration in astrophysics and space science.

Related terms

Electromagnetic Spectrum: The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, which Hubble utilizes to capture images and gather data from various astronomical objects.

Redshift: A phenomenon observed in light from distant galaxies that indicates how fast they are moving away from us, helping astronomers determine the universe's expansion.

Cosmology: The scientific study of the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe, greatly enhanced by data obtained from the Hubble Space Telescope.