Hubble: The telescope that changed our view of the universe

Source: https://www.earth.com/news/35-years-of-hubble-the-telescope-that-changed-our-view-of-the-universe/

Summary

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Hubble Space Telescope, a joint NASA/ESA project launched in 1990, has revolutionized astronomy by providing unprecedented views of the universe from its orbit 340 miles above Earth. Despite an initial mirror flaw corrected in 1993, Hubble has made groundbreaking discoveries, including determining the universe's age, confirming supermassive black holes, and mapping dark matter. Its stunning images have inspired the public and are widely used in education. As it continues operations alongside newer telescopes like JWST, Hubble's legacy as a symbol of human ingenuity shapes the future of space-based astronomy.

Full News Report

Here's the article: ## Hubble: The Telescope That Changed Our View of the Universe Celebrates 35 Years **Who:** NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and the global astronomical community. **What:** The Hubble Space Telescope is celebrating its 35th anniversary. **When:** April 24, 2025 marks 35 years since Hubble's launch in 1990. **Where:** Orbiting approximately 340 miles above Earth. **Why:** To provide a clearer, unobstructed view of the universe, leading to groundbreaking astronomical discoveries. **How:** By utilizing advanced optical technology and a vantage point above Earth's atmosphere. For 35 years, the Hubble Space Telescope has been more than just a scientific instrument; it has been a window to the cosmos, a source of inspiration, and a testament to human ingenuity. Since its launch aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on April 24, 1990, Hubble has fundamentally **changed** our **view** of the **universe**, rewriting textbooks and captivating the world with its breathtaking images. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, it's crucial to reflect on the profound impact this **telescope** has had on astronomy and our understanding of our place in the cosmos. ### A Visionary Project: The Genesis of Hubble The concept of a space-based observatory dates back to the 1940s, with astronomer Lyman Spitzer Jr. advocating for a telescope above Earth's obscuring atmosphere. He understood that even the best ground-based telescopes were limited by atmospheric turbulence, which blurs images and absorbs certain wavelengths of light. Spitzer's persistent advocacy, combined with advancements in technology, eventually led to the development of the Hubble Space Telescope, named after the pioneering astronomer Edwin Hubble. Building such a complex instrument was a monumental undertaking. It involved contributions from NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and numerous contractors. The **telescope** itself boasts a 2.4-meter primary mirror, meticulously polished to a degree of precision unheard of at the time. This mirror collects light from distant objects, focusing it onto a suite of scientific instruments capable of capturing images and spectra across a wide range of wavelengths, from ultraviolet to infrared. ### Overcoming Initial Hurdles: The Mirror Flaw Despite the decades of planning and meticulous engineering, Hubble faced a significant setback shortly after its launch. Initial images were blurry, revealing a flaw in the primary mirror. It was a devastating blow to the mission and threatened to undermine its credibility. However, NASA and the engineering team rallied. They devised a clever solution: a set of corrective optics, effectively "eyeglasses" for the **telescope**, which were installed during a daring servicing mission by astronauts in 1993. This mission, STS-61, was a resounding success and restored Hubble's original vision, proving the maintainability of a complex instrument in space. The event marked a turning point, transforming Hubble from a potential failure into a symbol of human problem-solving and resilience. ### Redefining Our Understanding of the Cosmos: Hubble's Discoveries With its corrected vision, Hubble began delivering on its promise, revolutionizing almost every field of astronomy. The **telescope** has provided stunning images and critical data that have **changed** our **view** of the **universe** in profound ways. Here are just a few examples: * **Determining the Age of the Universe:** Hubble played a crucial role in refining the measurement of the Hubble Constant, the rate at which the universe is expanding. These measurements helped astronomers pinpoint the age of the **universe** to approximately 13.8 billion years. * **Confirming the Existence of Supermassive Black Holes:** Hubble provided compelling evidence for the existence of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. By observing the rapid motion of gas and stars orbiting these invisible giants, astronomers could infer their immense mass and influence. * **Mapping the Distribution of Dark Matter:** By studying the gravitational lensing effect, where the gravity of massive objects bends and distorts the light from more distant objects, Hubble helped map the distribution of dark matter, the mysterious substance that makes up most of the **universe's** mass. * **Observing the Birth and Death of Stars:** Hubble has captured breathtaking images of star-forming regions, such as the iconic Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula. It has also observed the dramatic deaths of stars in supernova explosions, providing valuable insights into stellar evolution. * **Characterizing Exoplanets:** While not primarily designed to find exoplanets (planets orbiting other stars), Hubble has contributed to their study by observing the atmospheres of some of these distant worlds, providing clues about their composition and potential habitability. * **Understanding the Formation and Evolution of Galaxies:** Hubble has provided unprecedented views of galaxies at various stages of their evolution, helping astronomers understand how galaxies form, merge, and transform over billions of years. The Hubble Ultra-Deep Field, a composite image of thousands of distant galaxies, has provided a window into the early **universe**. ### The Legacy of Hubble: Inspiration and Education Beyond its scientific contributions, Hubble has had a profound cultural impact. Its stunning images have inspired generations of scientists, artists, and the general public. These images, often breathtakingly beautiful, have made the wonders of the **universe** accessible to everyone. They have sparked curiosity, fostered a sense of wonder, and encouraged people to learn more about the cosmos. Hubble's data and images are used extensively in educational programs around the world. They are featured in documentaries, books, and online resources, helping students of all ages learn about astronomy and astrophysics. The **telescope** has also served as a valuable training ground for future scientists and engineers. Many of today's leading astronomers and astrophysicists got their start working on Hubble-related projects. ### The Future of Space-Based Astronomy: Building on Hubble's Success While Hubble is aging, it remains a valuable scientific instrument. It is expected to continue operating for several years, working in tandem with newer telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). JWST, launched in December 2021, is designed to observe the **universe** in infrared light, complementing Hubble's observations in the visible and ultraviolet wavelengths. The success of Hubble has paved the way for future space-based observatories. NASA and other space agencies are planning new missions that will build on Hubble's legacy, pushing the boundaries of astronomical exploration even further. These future telescopes will explore the faintest galaxies, search for signs of life on exoplanets, and probe the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter. Hubble has truly **changed** our **view** of the **universe**. Its breathtaking images and groundbreaking discoveries have rewritten textbooks and inspired generations. As we celebrate its 35th anniversary, we can reflect on its remarkable legacy and look forward to the future of space-based astronomy, a future that is being shaped by the knowledge and inspiration that Hubble has provided. The **telescope's** story is a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and our insatiable desire to understand the cosmos. It reminds us that even the most ambitious goals can be achieved with vision, dedication, and a little bit of luck. The next chapter in our exploration of the **universe** will undoubtedly be just as exciting, building upon the foundation laid by the magnificent Hubble Space **Telescope**.