Photo credit: www.sciencenews.org
After an impressive 35 years in operation, the Hubble Space Telescope continues to yield groundbreaking scientific discoveries. In recent times, it has confirmed the existence of the first solitary black hole, identified new space debris resulting from a NASA asteroid-impact mission, and tracked the origins of an intense and enigmatic burst of radio waves.
These remarkable achievements underscore that Hubble remains a vital tool for astronomical research, capable of observations that other telescopes, including its more recent counterpart, the James Webb Space Telescope, cannot make.
Hubble has observed over 100 million celestial objects, spanning from comets within our solar system to dying stars in the Milky Way, and even galaxies formed shortly after the Big Bang. The vast amount of data collected has led to more than 21,000 peer-reviewed publications, evidencing its significant impact in the realm of astrophysics.
As noted by astronomer Peter Senchyna of Carnegie Science Observatories, “it’s been a huge asset.” Hubble was launched aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1990 and has maintained a position in low Earth orbit, approximately 515 kilometers above the ground. This position allows it to avoid the blurring effects of the atmosphere, providing a clearer view of outer space.
One of Hubble’s distinct advantages is its ability to detect ultraviolet (UV) light, a feature crucial for studying extremely hot celestial bodies like massive stars and the tumultuous regions surrounding black holes. Most terrestrial telescopes are unable to capture UV light due to atmospheric interference, while some space-based telescopes have limited UV resolution. Hubble excels in this area, retaining superior sensitivity and sharpness. According to Kevin Hainline from the University of Arizona, “At shorter ultraviolet and optical wavelengths, [Hubble] is still the best thing we’ve ever done as a species in terms of sensitivity and resolution.”
Each year, hundreds of scientists propose new observational projects with Hubble, though only about 20% of these proposals are accepted. Aoife Brennan of Trinity College Dublin, for instance, has secured time on Hubble to explore debris disks around other stars—structures similar to the Kuiper Belt in our solar system. Notably, some observations will commence on April 24, precisely coinciding with Hubble’s anniversary.
The public fascination with Hubble is evident. Brennan shares that when she mentions her work with Hubble data, people respond with eager recognition of the telescope’s astronomical images, which have become iconic.
Joe DePasquale, principal science visuals developer at the Space Telescope Science Institute, plays a crucial role in processing and presenting Hubble’s data. He transforms raw observations into striking visual representations for both the scientific community and the general public. “I take data from the telescope and turn it into beautiful color images,” he explains.
Hubble’s ability to capture stunning visuals has deeply influenced many, including Senchyna, who recalls the impactful imagery of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 colliding with Jupiter, which kindled his passion for astronomy as a child. Hubble’s images inspire curiosity and awe, reinforcing the importance of funding such flagship observatories.
Throughout its history, Hubble has produced numerous awe-inspiring images that benefit scientists and captivate audiences alike. For instance, the telescope unveiled the post-collision remnants of an asteroid, documented dazzling auroras on Jupiter, and captured stunning visuals of dying stars and active star formation regions.
In summary, Hubble’s ongoing contributions to science and public engagement demonstrate its unparalleled significance and enduring legacy in the exploration of our universe.
Source
www.sciencenews.org