Hubble Space Telescope

Definition

The Hubble Space Telescope is a space-based observatory launched in 1990 that revolutionized our understanding of the universe by capturing high-resolution images and data across various wavelengths. It uses a series of mirrors and advanced optical instruments to observe celestial objects, making it one of the most important tools in modern astronomy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hubble Space Telescope orbits Earth at an altitude of about 547 kilometers (approximately 340 miles), allowing it to avoid atmospheric distortion.
2. Hubble captures images using both visible and ultraviolet light, providing a clearer view of astronomical phenomena than ground-based telescopes.
3. The telescope's primary mirror is 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in diameter, which allows it to gather significant amounts of light for deep-space observations.
4. Hubble has contributed to many significant discoveries, including determining the rate of expansion of the universe and capturing stunning images of nebulae and galaxies.
5. The Hubble Space Telescope is a collaborative project between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), highlighting international cooperation in space exploration.

Review Questions

• How does the Hubble Space Telescope enhance our understanding of celestial objects compared to ground-based telescopes?
  • The Hubble Space Telescope enhances our understanding of celestial objects by operating above Earth's atmosphere, which eliminates atmospheric distortion and allows for clearer images. It captures data across a range of wavelengths, including ultraviolet light, which ground-based telescopes cannot effectively observe due to atmospheric absorption. This capability enables Hubble to provide detailed views of galaxies, nebulae, and other astronomical phenomena, leading to significant advancements in our knowledge of the universe.
• Discuss the technological features of the Hubble Space Telescope that contribute to its effectiveness as an astronomical tool.
  • The Hubble Space Telescope features a large primary mirror measuring 2.4 meters in diameter, which collects more light than smaller ground-based telescopes, resulting in higher resolution images. Its design incorporates advanced optical instruments and a series of mirrors that allow it to focus on celestial objects with precision. Furthermore, Hubble's ability to capture data across various wavelengths, including visible and ultraviolet light, expands its observational capabilities, making it invaluable for studying a wide array of astronomical phenomena.
• Evaluate the impact of the Hubble Space Telescope on modern astronomy and our understanding of cosmic phenomena.
  • The impact of the Hubble Space Telescope on modern astronomy is profound, as it has transformed our comprehension of the universe through its groundbreaking discoveries. By providing unprecedented views of distant galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial bodies, Hubble has helped determine the rate of expansion of the universe and offered insights into the existence of dark matter and dark energy. Its findings have reshaped theoretical models in cosmology and have also inspired further scientific inquiry and technological advancements in space exploration.

Related terms

Optical Telescope: An instrument that gathers and focuses light, typically using lenses or mirrors, to observe distant objects in the universe.

Reflecting Telescope: A type of optical telescope that uses a curved mirror to collect and focus light from distant objects, allowing for larger apertures and clearer images.

NASA: The United States government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research, which oversees the Hubble Space Telescope.