The Hubble Space Telescope is a powerful astronomical tool that has revolutionized the study of outer space since its launch into orbit in 1990. Named after astronomer Edwin Hubble, the telescope is responsible for capturing breathtaking images of distant galaxies, stars, and other celestial bodies. Its advanced technology and ability to observe the universe without interference from Earth’s atmosphere have allowed astronomers to make groundbreaking discoveries about the cosmos and its history. In this text, we will explore the history and significance of the Hubble Space Telescope and its contributions to our understanding of the universe.
The Idea Behind the Hubble Space Telescope
The idea behind the Hubble Space Telescope, or HST, was to create an observatory that would be able to take images of the universe from outside of Earth’s atmosphere. The Earth’s atmosphere creates a lot of distortion and interference when it comes to capturing images of celestial objects. The HST would be able to capture images with much greater clarity and detail than any Earth-bound observatory.
The Hubble’s Design and Capabilities
The Hubble Space Telescope is approximately the size of a large school bus, weighing in at 24,500 pounds. It has a 7.9-foot primary mirror and a 9.1-foot solar panel. The telescope orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 340 miles and is able to capture images in visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light.
The Hubble has played a significant role in advancing our understanding of the universe. It has provided us with some of the most stunning images of the cosmos ever taken. The telescope has also allowed us to make important discoveries about the age and expansion of the universe, the formation of galaxies, and the existence of dark matter.
The Challenges of Building the Hubble Space Telescope
Building the Hubble Space Telescope was a monumental undertaking that involved many challenges. The telescope had to be designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperatures and radiation. The primary mirror had to be made with extreme precision, with an accuracy of less than 1/50th the width of a human hair.
The Flawed Mirror
One of the biggest challenges faced by the Hubble team was the flaw in the telescope’s primary mirror. The mirror was ground improperly, causing a spherical aberration that affected the quality of the telescope’s images. This flaw was not discovered until after the telescope was launched into space.
The flaw was a major setback for the Hubble team, but they were able to come up with a solution. In December 1993, astronauts conducted a spacewalk to install a device called COSTAR, which corrected the aberration problem. The Hubble has been able to capture stunning images ever since.
The Legacy of the Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope has been in operation for over 30 years, and during that time, it has made numerous groundbreaking discoveries. The telescope has helped us to understand the age and expansion of the universe, the formation of galaxies, and the existence of dark matter. It has also provided us with some of the most breathtaking images of the cosmos ever taken.
Hubble’s Contributions to Astronomy
One of the most significant contributions of the Hubble Space Telescope has been its role in measuring the rate of expansion of the universe. The telescope has been able to observe distant galaxies and measure their redshift, which is an indication of how fast they are moving away from us. This data has allowed astronomers to determine the rate of expansion of the universe.
The Hubble has also played a crucial role in our understanding of the formation of galaxies. The telescope has captured images of galaxies at various stages of their development, allowing astronomers to study the processes that lead to their formation.
Hubble’s Future
The Hubble Space Telescope is still in operation, and its future is uncertain. The telescope is expected to continue functioning until at least 2025, but it may be decommissioned sooner than that. Its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, is set to launch in 2021 and will provide even more advanced capabilities than the Hubble.
FAQs: Hubble Space Telescope Built
When was the Hubble Space Telescope built?
The Hubble Space Telescope was built over a period of more than a decade, from 1977 to 1990. The actual construction of the telescope was a collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). The telescope was launched into orbit from the space shuttle Discovery on April 24, 1990.
Who built the Hubble Space Telescope?
The design and construction of the Hubble Space Telescope was led by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, working in collaboration with the ESA. The telescope was built by a team of engineers and scientists from both organizations, as well as from the optics company Perkin-Elmer and a number of other subcontractors.
How much did it cost to build the Hubble Space Telescope?
The total cost of building the Hubble Space Telescope was approximately $1.5 billion USD. However, this figure does not include the cost of servicing and maintaining the telescope, which has been ongoing since its launch in 1990 and is estimated to have cost an additional $10 billion USD.
What was the purpose of building the Hubble Space Telescope?
The primary purpose of building the Hubble Space Telescope was to provide astronomers with an unprecedented view of the universe, unimpeded by the atmosphere of the Earth. The telescope was specifically designed to capture high-resolution images in a range of wavelengths, from ultraviolet to visible to infrared light. This has allowed scientists to study everything from distant galaxies and nebulae to the properties and composition of planets in our own solar system.
What were some of the challenges involved in building the Hubble Space Telescope?
Building and launching a telescope into orbit is a complex and challenging process, and the Hubble Space Telescope was no exception. Some of the challenges faced by those involved in building the telescope included designing and building a mirror that could accurately reflect and focus light over a distance of 549 km, developing a system to repair and maintain the telescope while in orbit, and overcoming the technical and logistical challenges associated with launching such a large and delicate instrument into space. Despite these challenges, the Hubble Space Telescope has been a resounding success, providing astronomers with unprecedented insights into the workings of the universe.