The Hubble Space Telescope is one of the most famous scientific instruments in the world, known for capturing stunning images of stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects. But have you ever wondered what orbit this telescope is in? In this brief introduction, we’ll explore the Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit and how it allows us to see deeper into space than ever before.
Understanding the Hubble Space Telescope’s Orbit
The Hubble Space Telescope, named after the renowned astronomer Edwin Hubble, is a space observatory that was launched into space in 1990 by NASA. The telescope’s primary objective is to capture images and data from the far reaches of the universe. To achieve this, the telescope needs to be in a particular orbit around the Earth. The Hubble Space Telescope orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 547 kilometers or 340 miles, slightly above the Earth’s atmosphere.
Hubble’s Orbit Explained
The orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope is a low Earth orbit (LEO). LEOs are orbits that are closer to the Earth’s surface than geostationary orbits, which are used by communication satellites. The Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit is elliptical, with a perigee (closest approach to Earth) of 547 kilometers and an apogee (farthest point from Earth) of approximately 570 kilometers or 353 miles.
Advantages of Hubble’s Orbit
The Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit provides several advantages that allow it to capture stunning images of the universe. The telescope’s altitude is above most of the Earth’s atmosphere, which can distort and blur images captured by ground-based telescopes. The telescope can capture images in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light spectrum, which is not possible from the Earth’s surface. The Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit also allows it to observe a wide range of celestial objects, from stars and galaxies to planets and asteroids.
Hubble’s Unobstructed View
One of the most significant advantages of the Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit is its unobstructed view of the universe. The telescope’s orbit is above the Earth’s atmosphere, which can distort and blur images captured by ground-based telescopes. The Hubble Space Telescope can capture clear and detailed images of celestial objects that would be impossible to observe from the Earth’s surface.
Clear Images
Another advantage of the Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit is that it can capture images in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light spectrum. The Earth’s atmosphere absorbs ultraviolet and infrared light, making it impossible to observe these wavelengths from the Earth’s surface. The Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit allows it to capture images in these wavelengths, which provides valuable data for astronomers.
A Wide Range of Celestial Objects
The orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope also allows it to observe a wide range of celestial objects. The telescope can capture images of stars, galaxies, planets, asteroids, and other celestial objects. The Hubble Space Telescope can also observe objects that are beyond our solar system, providing valuable insights into the universe’s structure and evolution.
Long Observation Times
The Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit also allows it to observe celestial objects for extended periods. The telescope can observe an object for up to 100 consecutive hours, allowing astronomers to capture detailed data over long periods. The long observation times also enable astronomers to study celestial objects that change over time, such as stars that explode or planets that move in their orbits.
Flexibility
The Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit allows it to be flexible in its observations. The telescope can change its orientation and focus on different celestial objects quickly. The telescope can also observe multiple objects during a single orbit, providing valuable data for astronomers.
FAQs: What Orbit is Hubble Space Telescope In?
What is Hubble Space Telescope?
Hubble Space Telescope is a large telescope that orbits our planet, Earth. It is named after the famous astronomer, Edwin Hubble, and was launched into space in 1990. Its primary mission is to observe and study objects in space, including stars, galaxies, and planets, to help us better understand the universe.
What orbit is Hubble Space Telescope in?
Hubble Space Telescope is in a low Earth orbit, meaning it circles the planet at an altitude of approximately 340 miles (550 kilometers). It completes one orbit around the Earth every 97 minutes, traveling at a speed of about 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour).
How was Hubble Space Telescope placed in its orbit?
Hubble Space Telescope was launched into space in 1990 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. After reaching space, it was retrieved by the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1993 and underwent a series of upgrades and repairs to fix issues with its optics. Since then, it has been serviced and upgraded by other Space Shuttle missions and robotic missions.
Why was Hubble Space Telescope placed in a low Earth orbit?
Hubble Space Telescope was placed in a low Earth orbit because it allows it to be easily accessed and serviced by astronauts and robotic missions. Additionally, being in a low Earth orbit means that Hubble can observe objects in space more clearly, without the distortion of Earth’s atmosphere.
What challenges does Hubble Space Telescope face in its orbit?
One of the biggest challenges that Hubble Space Telescope faces in its orbit is that it is exposed to the harsh conditions of space, including high levels of radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations. Additionally, as Hubble orbits the Earth, it experiences drag from the planet’s upper atmosphere, which causes it to lose altitude over time. To maintain its orbit, Hubble uses small rockets called thrusters to periodically boost its altitude.
