How does the Hubble Space Telescope work?

The Hubble Space Telescope is a remarkable observatory that has provided us with stunning images and valuable scientific data since its launch in 1990. Here's a simplified explanation of how the Hubble Space Telescope works:

Design and Optics: The Hubble Space Telescope is a large, space-based observatory equipped with advanced instruments. It consists of a 2.4-meter (7.9-foot) primary mirror that collects and focuses incoming light. The primary mirror's shape is precisely engineered to correct for spherical aberration, an initial flaw that was later corrected with a servicing mission.

Instruments: Hubble is equipped with several scientific instruments that capture different types of light across the electromagnetic spectrum. These include cameras, spectrographs, and instruments specialized for ultraviolet, visible, and infrared observations. The instruments are installed on the telescope and can be swapped or upgraded during servicing missions.

Observing Targets: Hubble observes a wide range of celestial objects, including stars, galaxies, nebulae, and planets within our solar system. Its location above Earth's atmosphere allows it to capture sharp images and observe wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the atmosphere, such as ultraviolet and some infrared light.

Data Capture and Transmission: When Hubble captures an image or scientific data, it is recorded by the telescope's instruments. Initially, the data is stored onboard in solid-state memory devices. The data is then transmitted to Earth via the Space Telescope Operations Control Center (STOCC) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. The data is sent through NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) and received by ground-based antennas.

Data Processing and Analysis: Once the data reaches Earth, it goes through a series of processing steps to convert it into usable images and scientific data. Scientists and engineers analyze the data to make scientific discoveries, study celestial objects, and improve our understanding of the universe.

Servicing and Maintenance: Over the years, Hubble has undergone several servicing missions to upgrade its instruments, repair components, and extend its lifespan. Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle have visited Hubble to perform repairs and maintenance tasks, ensuring the telescope's optimal performance.

The Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos by capturing breathtaking images and conducting groundbreaking scientific research. Its location above the Earth's atmosphere and advanced instruments have made it an invaluable tool for astronomers, enabling discoveries and expanding our knowledge of the universe.

[ZoeInTheCosmos]

What's the most remarkarble disovery of the Hubble Space Telescope? IMHO it's the fact that we found out our universe is expanding: Hubble's observations provided evidence for the expanding nature of the universe, confirming the Big Bang theory. It measured the rate of expansion, known as the Hubble constant, and helped determine the age of the universe. 🚀🚀

[Jack-nyvu]

The Hubble Space Telescope is nothing short of a legend but unfortunately it’s on its last leg. I hope nasa can retrieve it from space and put it in a museum. It did an incredible job to last this long.