NASA's Hubble Space Telescope: Know about its mission, discoveries, observations, contributions

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has observed an explosion of energetic outbursts at a nearby red dwarf star that is situated about 32 light years from the sun. The red dwarf star is called AU Microscopii. The slight dip in the brightness of the star reveals that a gaseous system is orbiting the star.

With this, the question surfaces- what is Hubble Space Telescope and why is it so important?

Hubble: NASA

National Aeronautics and Space Administration on its official website writes, "Named in honor of the trailblazing astronomer Edwin Hubble, the Hubble Space Telescope is a large, space-based observatory, which has revolutionized astronomy since its launch and deployment by the space shuttle Discovery in 1990. Far above rain clouds, light pollution, and atmospheric distortions, Hubble has a crystal-clear view of the universe. Scientists have used Hubble to observe some of the most distant stars and galaxies yet seen, as well as the planets in our solar system."

Hubble: 1.5 Million Observations

The significance of the space telescope and its contribution to science can be understood by the fact that it has made 1.5 million observations since its deployment in 1990. It has found the moon of Pluto, watched a collision between Jupiter and a comet, and tracked interstellar bodies passing nearby it.

Hubble: Discoveries

Hubble has studied how a milky way is born as it has watched dusty disks and stellar nurseries will become a milky way one day. It has probed black holes, merging galaxies, and objections situated 13.4 light-years away from the Earth.

Hubble: Control Room

NASA scientists working at Goddard Space Flight Centre control and monitor Hubble day and night. Space Telescope Operations Control and System (STOCC) is the nerve center of the telescope, and it is manned by many scientists.

Hubble: Communication

The STOCC has two components- Mission Operation Room and Operation Support System. Hubble is kept in contact through a network interface from STOCC to White Sands Test Facilities in New Mexico.

FAQs:

Q1. When and why was Hubble launched?
A1. NASA deployed Hubble into space by launching it through Discovery in 1990. It acts as an eye of the Earth and keeps tracking some parts of the vast universe and its activities.

Q2. How Hubble Space Telescope is controlled from Earth?
A2. NASA scientists working at Goddard Space Flight Centre control and monitor Hubble day and night. Space Telescope Operations Control and System (STOCC) is the nerve center of the telescope, and it is manned by many scientists.