The Hubble Telescope is a space telescope launched in 1990 by NASA. It is in a low Earth orbit and is famous for its incredible images of our solar system and beyond.
The Hubble telescope is a space telescope which has been in orbit since 1990. It is a reflector telescope with a 2.4 meter mirror. The telescope has instruments that can detect visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared. Shortly after its launch in 1990, astronomers noticed that the images they were significantly more blurry than they expected. In 1993 NASA launched a mission to correct an issue with the telescope’s main mirror. A crew of NASA astronauts were sent on board the space shuttle Endeavour from the Kennedy Space Center to add a corrective optics package.
The space telescope was built by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) with some funding by ESA (European Space Agency). It is controlled from the Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland. Space telescopes are very expensive to make, put into orbit, and maintain. They offer huge benefits over ground-based telescopes. Putting the telescope into orbit removes the effects of the Earth’s atmosphere which can distort images. There are also much lower rates of light pollution.
The telescope is named after the American astrophysicist Edwin Hubble. Hubble produced a range of important work on the expansion of the universe. The telescope has allowed scientists to collect data on a wide range of different parts of the universe. The Hubble telescope provided data allowing astronomers to calculate Hubble constant with more accuracy. This allowed us to estimate the age of the universe with more confidence. The telescope was also used to take images of dark areas of the sky. Hubble was used to discover four of the five moons known to currently be orbiting the dwarf planet Pluto.
As the Hubble telescope comes to the end of its operational life, scientists have already started building its replacement. The James Webb Space Telescope is a joint project between NASA, ESA and CSA and is due to be launched in 2019. This new space telescope is larger and will allow us to see farther and fainter objects.
Check out some Hubble images yourself.
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Try it for Free!List of Notable Space Telescopes
- Herschel Space Observatory - Infrared (2009 - 2013)
- Planck - Microwave (2009 - 2013)
- Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer - Visible and Ultraviolet (2004 - present day)
- Uhuru - X-ray (1970 - 1973)
- OAO-2 (Orbiting Astronomical Observatory) - Ultraviolet (2 - 18 March 1993)
How Tos about What is the Hubble Telescope?
Engage students with a hands-on Hubble Telescope model-building activity
Capture student interest by having them construct a simple model of the Hubble Space Telescope using everyday materials like cardboard tubes, foil, and paper. This activity helps students visualize how the telescope works and encourages curiosity about space exploration.
Encourage research by assigning teams to investigate Hubble’s discoveries
Divide your class into small groups and assign each team a different discovery made by the Hubble Telescope. Have them present their findings to the class, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding of Hubble’s impact on astronomy.
Integrate technology with virtual tours of Hubble’s images
Leverage online resources to take your students on a virtual tour of the most famous images captured by the Hubble Telescope. Use NASA’s official website or educational platforms to explore nebulae, galaxies, and other celestial wonders together.
Facilitate a creative writing exercise based on Hubble’s observations
Stimulate imagination by asking students to write a story or journal entry from the perspective of an astronaut or scientist using the Hubble Telescope. This cross-curricular approach enhances writing skills while deepening space science understanding.
Assess learning with a quiz or game about Hubble facts
Check comprehension by creating a fun quiz or trivia game featuring key facts from your lesson on the Hubble Telescope. This helps reinforce new knowledge and makes review time engaging for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions about What is the Hubble Telescope?
What is the Hubble Space Telescope?
The Hubble Space Telescope is a large telescope orbiting Earth that captures detailed images and data about stars, planets, and galaxies, helping scientists study the universe.
How does the Hubble Telescope help scientists learn about space?
The Hubble Telescope helps scientists by providing high-resolution images and information that reveal the age, structure, and evolution of stars, galaxies, and other cosmic phenomena.
Why was the Hubble Space Telescope launched into space?
The Hubble Space Telescope was launched into space to avoid Earth's atmosphere, which can blur and block light, so it can capture clearer and more detailed images of the universe.
What discoveries has the Hubble Space Telescope made?
The Hubble Telescope has discovered the age of the universe, studied black holes, observed distant galaxies, and helped scientists understand how stars and planets form.
Can students access Hubble Telescope images for school projects?
Yes, students can view and download Hubble Telescope images from websites like NASA's HubbleSite for use in school projects and presentations.
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