The Orbiting Hubble Space Telescope
Explanation:
The
Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is the largest
orbiting public optical telescope in history.
Its 2.4 meter diameter reflecting mirror and
its
perch above Earth's atmosphere
allow it to create exceptionally
sharp images.
Originally launched in 1990,
HST
optics were
repaired
to their intended accuracy in 1993 by the
first of several
regular servicing missions.
Astronomers using
HST continue to make
numerous monumental scientific discoveries,
including new estimates of the
age and
composition of our universe,
previously unknown galaxies,
evidence of
massive black holes in the centers of galaxies,
protoplanetary star systems and
star forming regions,
and a better understanding of physical processes in our universe.
A larger
Next Generation
Space Telescope (NGST) may be
launched as early as 2007.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
