The Hubble Telescope is named after American astronomer Edwin Hubble, who made important contributions to our understanding of the universe.
The Hubble Telescope is named after American astronomer Edwin Hubble, who made important contributions to our understanding of the universe.
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The Hubble Telescope was launched on April 24, 1990, from the space shuttle Discovery.
The Hubble Telescope was launched on April 24, 1990, from the space shuttle Discovery.
credit: Getty images
The Hubble Telescope is about the size of a large school bus, measuring 43.5 feet (13.2 meters) long and weighing 24,500 pounds (11,110 kg).
The Hubble Telescope is about the size of a large school bus, measuring 43.5 feet (13.2 meters) long and weighing 24,500 pounds (11,110 kg).
credit: Getty images
The primary mirror of the Hubble Telescope measures 7.9 feet (2.4 meters) in diameter and is made of ultra-low expansion glass to minimize distortion and improve image quality.
The primary mirror of the Hubble Telescope measures 7.9 feet (2.4 meters) in diameter and is made of ultra-low expansion glass to minimize distortion and improve image quality.
credit: Getty images
The Hubble Telescope orbits the Earth at an altitude of about 340 miles (547 kilometers) and travels at a speed of about 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour).
credit: Getty images
The Hubble Telescope has discovered many new celestial objects, including a new type of galaxy called a "blazar," and has helped to measure the expansion rate of the universe.
The Hubble Telescope has discovered many new celestial objects, including a new type of galaxy called a "blazar," and has helped to measure the expansion rate of the universe.
credit: Getty images
The Hubble Telescope has made over 1.5 million observations of the universe and has contributed to over 18,000 scientific papers.
The Hubble Telescope has made over 1.5 million observations of the universe and has contributed to over 18,000 scientific papers.
credit: Getty images
The Hubble Telescope has been serviced by astronauts five times since its launch, most recently in 2009, to repair and upgrade its instruments.
The Hubble Telescope has been serviced by astronauts five times since its launch, most recently in 2009, to repair and upgrade its instruments.
credit: Getty images
The Hubble Telescope has a lifespan of around 20-30 years, but it could potentially continue operating until 2040 with proper maintenance and upgrades.
The Hubble Telescope has a lifespan of around 20-30 years, but it could potentially continue operating until 2040 with proper maintenance and upgrades.
credit: Getty images
The Hubble Telescope has captured many iconic images of the universe, including the Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula and the Hubble Deep Field, which shows thousands of galaxies in a small patch of sky.
The Hubble Telescope has captured many iconic images of the universe, including the Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula and the Hubble Deep Field, which shows thousands of galaxies in a small patch of sky.