What is Hubble Telescope ?

 

Who made new Hubble Telescope  

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there were no plans for a new Hubble Space Telescope to be built. The Hubble Space Telescope was originally launched into space by NASA in 1990 and has since been a collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). The telescope was built by a team of engineers and scientists from both organizations.

However, it's worth noting that plans for future space telescopes are constantly evolving, and there may have been developments since my last update. It's advisable to refer to the latest news or official sources for the most up-to-date information on any new telescopes or space missions.

What is Hubble Telescope ?

The Hubble Space Telescope, often referred to as the Hubble Telescope or simply Hubble, is a powerful space-based observatory that has revolutionized our understanding of the universe. It was launched into space by NASA in 1990 and has been a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The Hubble Telescope is named after the astronomer Edwin Hubble, who made significant contributions to our understanding of the expanding universe. It is designed to capture high-resolution images and gather precise scientific data from outer space. Unlike ground-based telescopes, Hubble's location above Earth's atmosphere allows it to observe celestial objects with remarkable clarity and without the distortion caused by atmospheric interference.

Some key features and capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope include:

Imaging: Hubble has provided stunning and detailed images of galaxies, nebulae, stars, and other astronomical objects. Its images have not only enhanced our understanding of the universe but have also captivated the public's imagination.

Spectroscopy: Hubble can analyze the light from celestial objects, allowing scientists to study their chemical composition, temperature, and other physical properties. Spectroscopic data helps astronomers understand the composition and evolution of galaxies, the nature of stars, and the presence of different gases in the universe.

Cosmic Distance Measurement: Hubble has played a vital role in measuring the distance to remote objects in space. By observing specific types of stars and supernovae, Hubble has helped refine our understanding of the age and expansion rate of the universe.

Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Hubble has contributed to our understanding of the mysterious components of the universe known as dark matter and dark energy. By observing the effects of these invisible phenomena on the motion of galaxies, Hubble has provided valuable insights into their nature and influence on the universe's evolution.

Repair and Upgrades: Over the years, the Hubble Space Telescope has undergone several servicing missions to repair and upgrade its instruments. Astronauts have visited the telescope to replace faulty components, install new instruments, and extend its operational life.

The Hubble Space Telescope has made numerous groundbreaking discoveries and continues to contribute to our knowledge of the universe. Its images and scientific data have provided astronomers with valuable insights into a wide range of astrophysical phenomena, from the birth of stars to the structure of galaxies billions of light-years away.

Value of Hubble Telescope? 

The Hubble Space Telescope is a highly valuable scientific instrument, but it is challenging to assign a specific monetary value to it. The cost of developing, building, and maintaining the Hubble Telescope over its lifetime has been substantial.

The total cost of the Hubble Space Telescope program, including the development, launch, and ongoing operations, is estimated to be around $10 billion. This cost includes the construction and testing of the telescope, the servicing missions carried out by astronauts to repair and upgrade its instruments, and the scientific research conducted using Hubble's data.

However, it's important to note that the value of the Hubble Space Telescope extends far beyond its monetary cost. The scientific discoveries made possible by Hubble, the knowledge gained about our universe, and the iconic images it has captured have had a profound impact on our understanding of astronomy and cosmology. The Hubble Telescope's contributions to science and its role in inspiring and educating people around the world are truly priceless.

Why NASA use gold for Hubble telescope ?

NASA used a reflective coating of gold on the mirrors of the Hubble Space Telescope to enhance its performance and optimize its observations. Here are the reasons why gold was chosen for this purpose:

High Reflectivity: Gold is highly reflective across a broad range of wavelengths, including visible and infrared light. By coating the mirrors with a thin layer of gold, the telescope can maximize its ability to gather light and capture detailed images of celestial objects. The high reflectivity of gold allows for efficient light collection and improves the sensitivity of the telescope's instruments.

Stability and Durability: Gold is known for its stability and resistance to oxidation and corrosion. In the vacuum of space, where the Hubble Telescope operates, exposure to the harsh environment could degrade other materials over time. Gold provides a protective layer that helps maintain the mirrors' reflectivity and prevents degradation due to environmental factors.

Consistent Performance: The reflective properties of gold are consistent and predictable, making it suitable for precision optics. The uniformity of the gold coating ensures that the mirrors perform consistently over time, allowing for reliable and accurate observations.

Compatibility with Technology: Gold is compatible with the techniques and technologies used in coating telescope mirrors. It adheres well to the mirror surfaces and can be applied in a thin and uniform layer, essential for maintaining the mirror's shape and precision.

It's important to note that the gold coating on the Hubble Telescope's mirrors is very thin, typically just a few hundred atoms thick. The gold layer is applied over a layer of aluminum, which provides structural support and additional reflectivity. This combination of aluminum and gold coating optimizes the telescope's performance and allows for detailed observations of distant celestial objects.

Technology of Hubble telescope ?

The Hubble Space Telescope is a complex piece of technology that incorporates various advanced systems and instruments to observe and study the universe. Here are some key technologies used in the Hubble Telescope:

Optics: The Hubble Telescope employs a combination of mirrors and lenses to collect and focus light. The primary mirror, approximately 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in diameter, reflects incoming light onto a secondary mirror, which, in turn, directs the light into scientific instruments.

Scientific Instruments: Hubble carries a suite of scientific instruments that enable different types of observations. These instruments include cameras, spectrographs, and photometers, among others. They are designed to capture images, analyze the properties of light, and gather scientific data about celestial objects.

Fine Guidance Sensors: The Hubble Telescope utilizes three Fine Guidance Sensors (FGS) to precisely point and stabilize the telescope. These sensors lock onto guide stars and make tiny adjustments to maintain accurate pointing and tracking, which is crucial for obtaining sharp and clear images.

Solar Arrays and Power System: Hubble's power is supplied by two solar arrays consisting of solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. The solar arrays charge onboard batteries, which provide power to the telescope when it is not in sunlight (such as during Earth's shadow or when the telescope is in high-demand mode).

Data Handling and Storage: Hubble's onboard computer system handles data processing, storage, and communication. The telescope's computer manages the various instruments, executes commands from Earth, and stores captured data until it can be transmitted to ground stations.

Attitude Control System: The Attitude Control System consists of gyroscopes, reaction wheels, and thrusters that help the telescope maintain its orientation in space. This system allows Hubble to maintain precise pointing and stability, essential for obtaining high-quality observations.

Telemetry and Communication: Hubble communicates with Earth through a network of tracking and data relay satellites (TDRS). It transmits scientific data, telemetry, and commands to and from ground stations, allowing scientists and engineers to monitor and control the telescope's operations.

Servicing and Maintenance: The Hubble Space Telescope has undergone several servicing missions by astronauts to repair and upgrade its instruments. During these missions, astronauts performed intricate repairs, replaced faulty components, and installed new technologies to keep the telescope operational and up-to-date.

These are just some of the technologies utilized by the Hubble Space Telescope. The combination of these advanced systems and instruments has enabled Hubble to make groundbreaking discoveries and capture breathtaking images of our universe.