NASA is celebrating its beloved space telescope, Hubble, on its 35th anniversary in Earth orbit. The telescope has been a household name since its launch in 1990, offering stunning images of the universe that have inspired people around the globe. Over three decades, Hubble has made nearly 1.7 million observations, providing critical data for over 22,000 papers and 1.3 million citations.
Hubble’s achievements include unveiling galaxies dating back to the early universe, measuring the expansion of the universe, finding supermassive black holes among galaxies, and detecting atmospheres of exoplanets. The telescope also contributed to the discovery of dark energy, leading to a 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics.
The relentless pace of Hubble’s discoveries has sparked a new generation of space telescopes, with its successor, the Habitable Worlds Observatory, set to build upon its legacy. With a larger mirror and improved technology, the Habitable Worlds Observatory will study the universe in visible and ultraviolet light, advancing science across all of astrophysics.
As Hubble continues to make groundbreaking discoveries, it has become an iconic symbol of American technological prowess and scientific curiosity. The telescope’s impact on astronomy has been profound, making the cosmos relevant and accessible for people of all ages. As NASA looks to the future, it is clear that Hubble will remain a vital tool in understanding the universe and its many mysteries.
Source: https://science.nasa.gov/missions/hubble/nasa-celebrates-hubbles-35th-year-in-orbit