Hubble Space Telescope Biography : Journey to the Stars Mesmerizing Revelation of the Universe, Inspiring Images of the Universe's Most Enigmatic Marvels, Cosmic Revelations

 

Hubble Space Telescope Biography: Journey to the Stars Mesmerizing Revelation of the Universe, Inspiring Images of the Universe's Most Enigmatic Marvels, Cosmic Revelations

NASA, ESA, and F. Paresce (INAF-IASF, Bologna, Italy), R. O'Connell (University of Virginia, Charlottesville), and the Wide Field Camera 3 Science Oversight Committe

Evolution of Hubble's Mission

In tribute to the visionary astronomer Edwin Hubble, the Hubble Space Telescope stands as a colossal, space-based observatory that has revolutionized our comprehension of the cosmos since its momentous launch aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1990. Over the span of 30 years, Hubble's capabilities have undergone a remarkable evolution through five astronaut servicing missions, involving the integration of cutting-edge scientific instruments and the rejuvenation of aging components.

Broadening Horizons with Hubble's Vision

Telescopes are confined to specific ranges of light detection. Hubble, however, spans the ultraviolet to the near-infrared spectrum, capturing mesmerizing images of stars, galaxies, and celestial entities. Its visual prowess extends from the visible light spectrum, perceptible to the human eye, to the unseen realms of the near-infrared, unlocking mysteries that have captivated global audiences.

Credits: ESA/Hubble & NASA, E. Noyola, R. Cohen

Unveiling the Cosmic Tapestry: Hubble's Contributions

Over its operational lifetime, Hubble has conducted more than 1.5 million observations, generating a wealth of knowledge reflected in over 20,000 peer-reviewed scientific papers. A pivotal resource in modern astronomy textbooks, the telescope has uncovered the secrets of our universe, from tracking interstellar objects in our solar system to peering into the distant corners of the cosmos, more than 13.4 billion light-years away.

A Glimpse into Hubble's Discoveries

Hubble's achievements include witnessing comet collisions with Jupiter, revealing moons around Pluto, and exploring dusty disks in the Milky Way that could evolve into planetary systems. It has scrutinized the atmospheres of exoplanets, probed the enigmatic depths of supermassive black holes, and unraveled the mysteries of the expanding universe by observing galaxies merging in the cosmic dance.

Unraveling Hubble's Magnitude: Facts and Figures

Dimensions and Weight

• Length: 43.5 feet (13.2 m)
• Launch Weight: approximately 24,000 pounds (10,800 kg)
• Post-SM4 Weight: about 27,000 pounds (12,200 kg)
• Diameter (at widest point): 14 feet (4.3 m)

Spaceflight Odyssey

• Low-Earth Orbit: 326 miles (283 nautical miles, or 525 km) at an inclination of 28.5 degrees
• Orbit Completion Time: about 95 minutes
• Velocity: approximately 17,000 mph (27,000 kph)

Optical Prowess

• Light Sensitivity: ultraviolet through infrared (115–2500 nanometers)

Mirror Magic

• Primary Mirror Diameter: 94.5 inches (2.4 m)
• Primary Mirror Weight: 1,825 pounds (828 kg)
• Mirror Composition: Ultra-Low Expansion Glass with a reflective coating of aluminum and magnesium fluoride
• Secondary Mirror Diameter: 12.2 inches (0.3 m)
• Secondary Mirror Weight: 27.4 pounds (12.4 kg)

Precision in Pointing

• Actuators: Four reaction wheels and four magnetic torquer bars
• Sensors: Six gyroscopes, five Sun sensors, two magnetometers, three fixed-head star trackers, three fine guidance sensors
• Accuracy: Hubble's exceptional steadiness, with deviations not exceeding 7 thousandths (0.007) of an arcsecond

Powering the Vision

• Energy Source: the Sun
• Mechanism: two 8 x 24.75-foot (2.44 x 7.54-meter) gallium-arsenide solar panels
• Power Generation (in sunlight): about 5,500 watts
• Power Storage: Six nickel-hydrogen (NiH) batteries, with a capacity equal to approximately 22 average car batteries.

Hubble's Cutting-Edge Instruments: Peering into the Cosmos

Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS): Surveying the Cosmic Landscape

The Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), a third-generation imaging marvel, stands as a cornerstone in Hubble's arsenal. Specifically optimized for surveys and expansive imaging endeavors, ACS enhances Hubble's capacity to capture the broad strokes of the cosmic canvas.

Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS): Unveiling the Ultraviolet Mysteries

Dedicated to the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) represents a quantum leap in sensitivity. Elevating Hubble's UV sensitivity by at least 10 times and up to an astonishing 70 times for faint objects, COS excels in scrutinizing points of light—stars and quasars—unveiling the secrets hidden within the ultraviolet realm.

Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS): High-Resolution Exploration

As a second-generation imager/spectrograph, the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) specializes in obtaining high-resolution spectra of resolved objects. Its unique capability lies in simultaneously capturing spectra from multiple points along a target, offering unparalleled insights into the intricacies of the cosmic tapestry.

Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3): Capturing the Spectrum of Light

At the heart of Hubble's imaging capabilities, the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) reigns supreme. Boasting a camera attuned to visible and ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths, it surpasses its predecessor, the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2, by a factor of 35 in UV sensitivity. Additionally, a second camera designed for infrared (IR) light elevates Hubble's IR resolution from 65,000 to an impressive 1 million pixels. WFC3's exceptional combination of field-of-view, sensitivity, and low detector noise marks a 15-20 times improvement over Hubble's previous IR camera.

Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS): Navigating the Celestial Seas

Serving a dual role, the Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) not only provides crucial pointing information by locking onto guide stars but also operates as a scientific instrument. With the ability to precisely measure relative star positions, detect rapid brightness changes, and resolve double-star systems, FGS adds a versatile dimension to Hubble's observational prowess. With three FGSs onboard, Hubble navigates the celestial seas with precision.

Revitalizing Hubble: The Significance of Servicing Missions

Unveiling a Legacy of Renewal

The Hubble Space Telescope's enduring legacy is not only defined by its remarkable observations but also by a series of pivotal servicing missions. These missions, conducted by astronauts, have been instrumental in revitalizing and enhancing Hubble's capabilities, ensuring its continued relevance in the ever-evolving field of space exploration.

Servicing Mission Evolution

Image Credits Nasa:The Hubble Space Telescope moves slowly away from Discovery following its release. The photo was taken during Servicing Mission 2 in 1997

Over its three decades in orbit, Hubble has undergone five servicing missions, each contributing to the telescope's evolution and extended operational lifespan. These missions stand as a testament to human ingenuity and determination, pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

Pioneering Upgrades

The core objective of these servicing missions is to replace and upgrade aging components, keeping Hubble at the forefront of scientific discovery. Astronauts have installed state-of-the-art scientific instruments, such as the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) and the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), boosting Hubble's observational capabilities to new heights.

Breathing New Life into Hubble

Servicing missions play a crucial role in maintaining Hubble's health and functionality. Astronauts have executed intricate repairs, addressing issues ranging from malfunctioning gyroscopes to ailing power systems. These interventions have not only rescued the telescope from potential obsolescence but have also allowed it to thrive, capturing the beauty and mysteries of the cosmos.

Unprecedented Achievements Through Servicing

The impact of servicing missions extends beyond the telescope's physical upkeep. It has paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries and observations that have reshaped our understanding of the universe. The addition of instruments like the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) and the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) has opened new windows into the celestial realm, allowing Hubble to delve deeper into the cosmic tapestry.

Extending Hubble's Reach

Thanks to servicing missions, Hubble's observational domain has expanded, covering a spectrum from ultraviolet to near-infrared. This broadened reach has facilitated the capture of awe-inspiring images, from distant galaxies merging to the intricate details of planetary atmospheres.

Ensuring a Lasting Legacy

By ensuring Hubble's continued functionality, servicing missions contribute to its enduring legacy. The telescope's impact on astronomy, evident in over 1.5 million observations and 20,000 scientific papers, underscores the significance of these missions in preserving and enhancing the scientific marvel that is the Hubble Space Telescope.

Looking to the Future

As Hubble continues its celestial journey, the importance of servicing missions remains paramount. These missions not only sustain the telescope's operational vitality but also position it as a beacon of human achievement in the exploration of the cosmos. With each servicing mission, Hubble's story unfolds, revealing new chapters in the captivating narrative of our universe.

Hubble's Epoch-Making Scientific Discoveries: A Cosmic Chronicle

1. Galactic Ballet:

Hubble's keen gaze has unveiled the mesmerizing dance of galaxies. Observing galaxies merging in a cosmic ballet, Hubble has provided unprecedented insights into the dynamics and evolution of these celestial giants. These observations have reshaped our understanding of the intricate interplay of cosmic forces.

2. Interstellar Wanderers:

Tracking interstellar objects as they traverse our solar system, Hubble has contributed to our understanding of these celestial wanderers. The telescope's observations of comets and asteroids have provided valuable data, offering a glimpse into the origins and behaviors of these enigmatic interstellar travelers.

3. Cometary Collisions:

Hubble witnessed a spectacular celestial event as a comet collided with Jupiter. This rare occurrence, captured in detail by the telescope, provided scientists with valuable data on the dynamics of such collisions in our solar system. Hubble's role as a cosmic eyewitness to celestial phenomena is pivotal in unraveling the mysteries of our planetary neighborhood.

4. Exoplanetary Atmospheres:

Peering beyond our solar system, Hubble has turned its attention to exoplanets. Studying the atmospheres of planets orbiting other stars, the telescope has expanded our knowledge of the diversity and conditions of exoplanetary atmospheres. These discoveries pave the way for understanding the potential habitability of distant worlds.

5. Stellar Nurseries in the Milky Way:

Hubble's discerning eye has explored the stellar nurseries within our own Milky Way. Capturing images of dusty disks and regions where stars are born, the telescope provides a glimpse into the processes that lead to the formation of new stars and planetary systems within our galactic neighborhood.

6. Supermassive Black Hole Sagas:

Peering into the depths of distant galaxies, Hubble has probed the mysteries surrounding supermassive black holes. Observations of galactic cores and the activities surrounding these colossal entities have contributed significantly to our understanding of the role played by supermassive black holes in shaping the cosmos.

7. Time-Traveling Observations:

Hubble's ability to peer deep into space allows it to capture light from galaxies more than 13.4 billion light-years away. These time-traveling observations provide a unique window into the early stages of the universe, enabling scientists to study the formation and evolution of galaxies in the cosmic dawn.

8. Planetary Systems in the Making:

Within the Milky Way, Hubble has identified dusty disks and stellar nurseries that hold the potential to evolve into fully-fledged planetary systems. These observations contribute to our understanding of the complex processes involved in the formation of planetary systems, offering a glimpse into the cosmic birth of worlds.

Hubble's scientific journey reads like a cosmic novel, with each discovery adding a new chapter to our understanding of the universe. As the telescope continues its exploration, it remains a beacon of curiosity, unveiling the secrets of the cosmos one observation at a time.