Hubble

Definition

"Hubble" refers to the Hubble Space Telescope, a powerful observatory launched into low Earth orbit in 1990. It has provided invaluable data on celestial objects and phenomena, significantly advancing our understanding of the universe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hubble Space Telescope was launched by NASA in collaboration with the European Space Agency.
2. Hubble operates outside Earth's atmosphere, allowing it to capture clearer images than ground-based telescopes.
3. It has contributed to crucial discoveries such as determining the rate of expansion of the universe.
4. Hubble's observations have led to a more accurate age estimate for the universe, around 13.8 billion years.
5. The telescope has played a key role in identifying and studying exoplanets and distant galaxies.

Review Questions

• What year was the Hubble Space Telescope launched?
• Why does Hubble provide clearer images compared to ground-based telescopes?
• Name one significant discovery made possible by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Related terms

James Webb Space Telescope: An upcoming space telescope set to succeed Hubble with advanced capabilities for infrared astronomy.

Redshift: A phenomenon observed by Hubble that indicates an object is moving away from the observer, used as evidence for the expanding universe.

Cepheid Variable Stars: A type of star whose brightness varies periodically; used by astronomers including Edwin Hubble to measure cosmic distances.