The space telescope “Hubble» (Hubble Space Telescope) – an automatic observatory in orbit around the Earth; a joint project of NASA and the European Space Agency. His name was in honor of the telescope, Edwin Hubble (1889-1953 gg.): One of the most influential astronomers and cosmologists, who made a decisive contribution to the understanding of the structure of the cosmos.
Even with the 20-ies of the last century astrophysics considered the possibility creation of an extraterrestrial observatory, but only after the Second World War it became possible to pay appropriate attention to the development of space astronomy. In 1946, was first obtained by the ultraviolet spectrum of the sun; orbital telescope for solar research was launched by the UK in 1962, and four years later, NASA sent into space the first orbital observatory OAO-1.
The mission failed due to battery failure three days after launch. The next generation of orbital observatories created taking into account the mistakes of the past and new technologies could work already longer – so that was launched April 24, 1990 a telescope “Hubble” to date provides invaluable information to Earth from space.
Over the past 25 years, “Hubble” had to mend; maintenance station is carried out during spacewalks with a space shuttle type “Space Shuttle”. Total was committed four such expeditions. Read more
Accommodation telescope in space makes it possible to detect electromagnetic radiation in the range in which the Earth’s atmosphere opaque; first of all – in the infrared range. Due to the absence of atmospheric effects resolution of the telescope is 7-10 times more than the same telescope, located in the world. The mission of “Hubble” has made it possible to produce a lot of important observations. So, the telescope has provided high-quality images collision of comet Shoemaker – Levy 9 with Jupiter in 1994. Were first obtained maps of the surface of Pluto and Eris. For the first time it became possible to see ultraviolet aurora on Saturn, Jupiter and Ganymede. Additional data about planets outside the solar system, including the spectrometer, and so on.
It was originally planned that the “Hubble” has finished its work during 2014, it was replaced by preparing the orbital infrared observatory, the James Webb (James Webb Space Telescope). However, the need for this is no 25-year-old telescope copes with its tasks.
Look cosmic pictures of Comet Siding Spring, and
selection of the best images taken by the legendary “Hubble».
No comments:
Post a Comment