Hubble telescope, from the American space agency NASA and the European space agency ESA, will exist on Friday for thirty years. Photos taken by Hubble have led to some important scientific discoveries.
In honor of the telescope’s thirtieth anniversary, NASA is presenting special anniversary photos taken by the telescope from several galaxies, among others. For example, a photo of the galaxy UGC 2885, also called ‘Godzilla Galaxy’, has been released.
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A photo of galaxy UGC 2885, also known as ‘Godzilla Galaxy’. (Photo: NASA, ESA, & B. Holwerda – University of Louisville)
The telescope was launched in 1990 by NASA and is named after the American astronomer Edwin Hubble. The telescope orbits the earth and is used to take sharp pictures in the universe. The object weighs about 11,000 kilograms.
One of the most famous photos taken by the Hubble is the so-called Eagle Nebula. The photo of the Eagle Nebula was taken in 1995 and traveled all over the world.
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Bright stars in a photo of the so-called Eagle Nebula. (Photo: ESA / Hubble & NASA)
Defective mirror in the first three weeks after launch
In the first weeks after the first launch, it was discovered that the Hubble did not take as sharp images as expected. Ultimately, this turned out to be due to a defective mirror. In 1993, a special space mission was launched to remedy the defect. This mission turned out to be successful afterwards.
Initially, US President George W. Bush announced in 2004 that the telescope would no longer be serviced. However, this happened again in 2008.
The telescope has been floating through the universe for thirty years. It is not known how long the Hubble will remain operational. In any case, NASA has announced that it hopes the telescope will work for several more years.
