Unveiling the Wonders of Hubble Telescope

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

• Brief overview of Hubble Telescope

II. Hubble's Specifications

• Orbital distance and time
• Advantages of space-Based telescope
• Mirror size and collecting area
• Size and complexity of Hubble

III. Maintaining and Operating Hubble

• Continuous monitoring of hardware
• Precious commodity of time for astronomers
• Meticulous planning for observing and housekeeping tasks

IV. Hubble's Scientific Instruments

• Two groups of instruments
• Purpose and types of instruments
• Unique observation capabilities

V. Components of Hubble

• Power source
• Gyroscopes, star trackers, and reaction wheels
• Communication antennas

VI. Collaboration between NASA and ESA

• Importance of Hubble to European astronomy
• European specialists working with Hubble

VII. Pros and Cons of Hubble Telescope

VIII. Conclusion

Hubble Telescope: A Closer Look at the Orbiting Observatory

Introduction

The Hubble Telescope, named after renowned astronomer Edwin Hubble, has been one of the most important tools for observing our Universe. Since its launch in 1990, Hubble has orbited at almost 600 kilometers above Earth's atmosphere, providing a clear and unobstructed view of the cosmos. In this article, we will Delve into the specifications, maintenance and operation, scientific instruments, components, and collaboration surrounding the Hubble Telescope.

Hubble's Specifications

Hubble's position above the atmosphere eliminates the effects of distortion, thereby making it an invaluable space-based telescope. It takes Hubble about 97 minutes to complete each orbit. The telescope is designed to take high-resolution images and accurate spectra by concentrating starlight to produce sharper images than are possible from the ground. Despite Hubble's relatively modest mirror diameter of 2.4 meters, it can compete with ground-based telescopes having mirrors that are 10 or 20 times larger in collecting area.

Hubble is a large satellite about 16 meters long, or the size of a small bus. It is also one of the most complicated pieces of technology ever built. It contains over 3000 sensors that continuously monitor the status of the hardware so that technicians on the ground can keep an eye on what's happening.

Maintaining and Operating Hubble

Hubble's time is a precious commodity. Astronomers around the world regularly request much more time than is available. Keeping Hubble operating 24/7 is no small task. Not a Second can be lost, and all operations from observing to housekeeping tasks such as repositioning the telescope or uploading new observing schedules are meticulously planned.

Hubble's Scientific Instruments

There are two groups of scientific instruments in Hubble, each for serving a different purpose. Some instruments are for making images, and some are designed to dissect the light from stars and galaxies by spreading it out to form a rainbow-like spectrum. Hubble's unique vantage point in space makes it capable of observing the infrared and ultraviolet light that is otherwise filtered away by the atmosphere before it can reach telescopes on the ground. These forms of light reveal properties of celestial objects that are otherwise Hidden from us.

Components of Hubble

The power for Hubble comes from solar panels on the side, which convert sunlight into electricity. Gyroscopes, star trackers, and reaction wheels keep Hubble steady and pointing in the right direction, not too close to the Sun, Moon, or Earth, as they would destroy the light-sensitive instruments and accurately towards the objects being studied for hours or days at a time. Hubble has several communication antennas on its side that are necessary for sending observations and other data down to Earth.

Collaboration between NASA and ESA

Hubble has been a major collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). From an early stage in its life, Hubble has been of paramount importance to European astronomy. European astronomers regularly win more than 15% of the observing time with Hubble, resulting in several thousand scientific publications over the years. Two groups of European specialists work with Hubble; 15 people from either currently work at the Space Telescope Science Institute in the US, and 20 others make up the Space Telescope European Coordinating Facility in Munich, Germany.

Pros and Cons of Hubble Telescope

Pros:

• Clear and unobstructed view of the cosmos.
• High-resolution images and accurate spectra.
• Unique vantage point in space.
• Capable of observing infrared and ultraviolet light.
• Collaborative research opportunities.

Cons:

• High cost to build, launch and maintain.
• Limited time for astronomers to observe.
• Difficult to upgrade or repair in space.

Conclusion

The Hubble Telescope has revolutionized our understanding of the universe and has been instrumental in many groundbreaking discoveries. Its advanced technology and invaluable data have opened up new avenues for exploration and research. Even after over 30 years since its launch, Hubble continues to provide new insights into the cosmos and inspire space enthusiasts worldwide.

Highlights

• Hubble is a space-based telescope orbiting at almost 600 kilometers above Earth's atmosphere, providing clear and unobstructed views of the cosmos.
• Hubble has a relatively modest mirror diameter of 2.4 meters, but its space-based position allows it to compete with ground-based telescopes having mirrors that are 10 or 20 times larger in collecting area.
• Hubble contains over 3000 sensors that continuously monitor its hardware, and all operations from observing to housekeeping tasks are meticulously planned.
• Hubble's scientific instruments are divided into two groups, each for serving a different purpose, and its unique vantage point in space enables it to observe the infrared and ultraviolet light that is otherwise filtered away by the atmosphere.
• Hubble has been a major collaboration between NASA and ESA and has been of paramount importance to European astronomy.
• Pros include clear and unobstructed views of the cosmos, high-resolution images and accurate spectra, a unique vantage point in space, and collaborative research opportunities. Cons include high cost, limited observation time, and difficulty in upgrading or repairing in space.

FAQ

Q: What kind of celestial objects can Hubble observe? A: Hubble's position in space and its advanced technology allow it to observe a wide range of celestial objects, including galaxies, stars, planets, nebulae, and more.

Q: How long has Hubble been in operation? A: Hubble was launched into space on April 24, 1990.

Q: Can Hubble be upgraded or repaired in space? A: Yes, Hubble can be upgraded or repaired in space by skilled astronauts. Five servicing missions were conducted on Hubble between 1993 and 2009 to install new equipment and repair existing systems.

Q: How long does it take to capture an image with Hubble? A: The time it takes to capture an image with Hubble depends on various factors, such as the object's brightness and the required exposure time. Most images take several hours to capture.

Q: How much time do astronomers get to observe with Hubble? A: Astronomers from around the world submit proposals to use Hubble, and the demand for observing time far exceeds the available time. Only about 10% of the submitted proposals are accepted, and astronomers typically get a few hours to several days of observation time.