The Hubble Space Telescope is a powerful instrument that orbits above the Earth’s atmosphere, allowing astronomers to capture stunning images of the universe. It has been in operation since 1990 and has made countless groundbreaking discoveries. However, many people may be wondering where the telescope is currently located and what it is up to. In this response, we will explore the current whereabouts and activities of the Hubble Space Telescope.
The Beginning of Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope, also known as HST, was named after the famous astronomer, Edwin Hubble. It was launched on April 24, 1990, and is still considered one of the most significant achievements in space exploration history. The HST was developed as a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the universe, galaxies, and stars.
The Functioning of Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope functioned as a sophisticated camera that takes pictures of the universe. It orbits around Earth at an altitude of about 340 miles, and it takes approximately 97 minutes to orbit the planet once. The HST is equipped with several scientific instruments that allow it to capture visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation. It has captured some of the most stunning images of galaxies, stars, supernovae, and other celestial objects.
The Groundbreaking Discoveries of Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope has been instrumental in developing our understanding of the universe. It has made several groundbreaking discoveries, including the age of the universe, the existence of dark matter, and the accelerating expansion of the universe. The HST has also captured images of distant galaxies, which has helped in understanding the evolution of galaxies.
One significant takeaway from the journey of the Hubble Space Telescope is its impact on our understanding of the universe. The Hubble Space Telescope has made groundbreaking discoveries, including the age of the universe, the existence of dark matter, and the accelerating expansion of the universe. Its insights have helped us better understand the evolution of galaxies and expanded our knowledge of the cosmos. Though the HST will soon come to the end of its journey, its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, promises to continue the mission and expand our understanding of the universe even further.
Age of the Universe
The HST has helped in determining the age of the universe to be around 13.8 billion years old. This was determined by observing the oldest known stars in the Milky Way galaxy.
Dark Matter
The HST has also helped in discovering the existence of dark matter, which makes up about 27% of the universe’s mass. Dark matter cannot be seen, but its presence can be detected through its gravitational effects on visible matter.
Accelerating Expansion of the Universe
The Hubble Space Telescope has also discovered that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate. This discovery led to the concept of dark energy, which is believed to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe.
The Upgrades and Maintenance of Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope was designed to last for 15 years, but it has been operating for over 30 years. The HST has undergone several upgrades and maintenance missions to keep it operational and improve its capabilities. The most recent upgrade was in 2009, which replaced and upgraded several instruments, including the Wide Field Camera 3.
One key takeaway from the journey of the Hubble Space Telescope is its immense contribution to our understanding of the universe, from determining the age of the universe and discovering dark matter to capturing stunning images of distant galaxies. Despite surpassing its expected lifespan, the HST has undergone upgrades and maintenance to keep it operational. However, it’s expected to be decommissioned in the mid-2020s, making way for its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, set to launch in 2021. The Webb telescope will be more powerful, capable of observing even farther into the universe, and located much farther from Earth than the HST, at a distance of about 1.5 million km away.
The Future of Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope has provided us with invaluable information about the universe, but it won’t last forever. The HST is still operational, but it’s expected to be decommissioned in the mid-2020s. NASA is planning to launch its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, which is designed to be more powerful and capable of observing even farther into the universe.
James Webb Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope, named after the NASA administrator who played a vital role in the Apollo program, is scheduled to launch in 2021. The Webb telescope is designed to observe the universe in infrared light, which will allow it to see the universe’s earliest galaxies and stars. The Webb telescope will also be located much farther from Earth than the HST, at a distance of about 1.5 million km away.
FAQs – Hubble Space Telescope Where is it Now?
What is the Hubble Space Telescope?
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is a large, space-based observatory that has been in operation since 1990. It has played a critical role in astronomy, delivering stunning images of the universe and revolutionizing our understanding of the cosmos. The HST is responsible for many groundbreaking discoveries, including the discovery of dark energy, the measurement of the age of the universe, and the observation of planets outside of our solar system.
Where is the Hubble Space Telescope located?
The Hubble Space Telescope is located in low Earth orbit, approximately 547 kilometers (340 miles) above the surface of the earth. Its orbit is characterized by an inclination of 28.5 degrees, meaning that it travels at an angle to the Earth’s equator.
Is the Hubble Space Telescope still operational?
Yes, the Hubble Space Telescope is still operational. Despite its age, Hubble continues to deliver groundbreaking scientific results, and NASA has no plans to retire the telescope anytime soon. In fact, Hubble is expected to remain operational until at least the mid-2020s, at which point it will be replaced by the James Webb Space Telescope.
What is the current status of the Hubble Space Telescope?
The Hubble Space Telescope is currently operating normally and is continuing to conduct scientific observations. However, Hubble does occasionally experience technical issues that need to be resolved to ensure optimal performance. NASA’s team of engineers and technicians work tirelessly to diagnose and fix any issues that arise so that Hubble can continue to deliver groundbreaking scientific results.
