Skip to main content

The Hubble Space Telescope



Photo Credit: NASA
The Hubble Space Telescope was lunched by the U.S on April 24, 1990 and is named after Astronomer Edwin P. Hubble. It is a low Earth Orbiting Satellite, located about 375 miles (600km) above the surface of the Earth. Hubble completes an orbit around the Earth every 97 minutes. 

 Coolest Facts...

Height and Weight
  • Hubble is 13.3 meters (43.5 feet) long -- the length of a large school bus.
  • Hubble weighs 24,500 pounds -- as much as two full-grown elephants.
What Does it do? 
  • Hubble does not travel to stars, planets or galaxies. It takes pictures of them as it whirls around Earth at 17,500 mph.
How many pictures did it take so far? 
  • NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has made more than 930,000 observations and snapped more than 570,000 images of 30,000 celestial objects since its mission began in 1990.
 How many times did it circle the Earth? 
  • Hubble has circled Earth more than 110,000 times.
  • With those trips, Hubble has racked up plenty of frequent-flier miles, about 2.8 billion, which is Neptune's average distance from the sun.
 How much information did it generate so far? 
  • More than two decades of Hubble observations have produced more than 45 terabytes of data, enough information to fill nearly 5,800 DVDs.
  • Every day the Hubble Space Telescope archives 3 to 5 GB of data and delivers between 10-15 GB to astronomers all over world
  • Each month the orbiting observatory generates more than 360 gigabytes of data, which could fill the storage space of an average home computer.
Does it help astronomers? 
  • Yes. It does! About 4,000 astronomers from all over the world have used the telescope to probe the universe.
  • Astronomers using Hubble data have published more than 8,700 scientific papers, making it one of the most productive scientific instruments ever built. In 2009 scientists published 648 journal articles on Hubble telescope data.
Hubble’s Mirror:
  • Hubble's primary mirror is 2.4 meters (7 feet, 10.5 inches) across -- taller than retired NBA player Gheorghe Muresan, who is 2.3 meters (7 feet, 7 inches) tall. Muresan is the tallest man ever to play in the NBA.
             
Source: 
 17 April 2014. <http://www.nasa.gov/facts/Universe/universe_facts_archives.html>.
17 April 2014. <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/story/index.html#.U0-IpvldV8E>.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Fruit Bowl Hall of Fame: 10 Must-Eat Fruits for a Healthier You!

Incorporating a variety of fruits into your daily diet is one of the simplest ways to boost your health, offering essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. While all fruits are beneficial, some stand out for their exceptional nutritional profiles. Here are 10 of the best fruits we should all be eating regularly, according to nutrition experts: 1. Blueberries: The Antioxidant Powerhouse Often hailed as a "superfood," blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, which provide powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and are crucial for brain and heart health. 2. Apples: A Daily Dose of Fiber Apples, particularly with the skin on, are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, including pectin, which supports a healthy gut and aids in blood sugar regulation. 3. Avocados: The Healthy Fat Hero While many fruits are high in carbohydrates, avocados are unique for their high content of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, along with potassium and fiber, promoting satiety and sup...
Post a Comment
Further Reading

Coffee Costs Climb as Trump's Tariffs Brew Uncertainty

Coffee lovers, brace yourselves! The aroma of your morning cup might soon come with a steeper price tag. Following a recent announcement by Donald Trump, who has threatened a sweeping 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil, the world's largest coffee producer, industry experts are warning of significant price hikes. Effective August 1, 2025, these tariffs are reportedly linked to Brazil's handling of former President Jair Bolsonaro and alleged unfair trade practices. However, with Brazil supplying roughly one-third of the coffee consumed in the United States, the move has sent ripples through the global coffee market. Giuseppe Lavazza, chairman of the Italian coffee giant Lavazza, has cautioned that such tariffs could lead to substantial inflation within the coffee industry, which is already grappling with "exceptional volatility." Similarly, the Brazilian coffee exporters' group Cecafé predicts dire consequences for American consumers, anticipating higher costs ...
Post a Comment
Further Reading

The Pharaoh Who Invented Toothpaste

Believe it or not, the concept of brushing your teeth dates back thousands of years! Ancient Egyptians, including pharaohs, were pioneers in oral hygiene. They are credited with creating some of the earliest forms of toothpaste, often made from ingredients like crushed rock salt, mint, dried iris flowers, and pepper, all mixed together to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. A royal smile, indeed!
Post a Comment
Further Reading