Introduction to the Hubble Space Telescope

HST is a space-based great observatory that observes at ultraviolet through near infrared wavelengths. High resolution imaging and wide-ranging spectroscopic capabilities enable forefront research across all domains of astrophysics. Time on HST is awarded through an open peer-reviewed competition.

 

The Hubble Space Telescope's launch in 1990 sped humanity to one of its greatest advances in that journey. Hubble is a telescope that orbits Earth. Its position above the atmosphere gives it a view of the universe that typically far surpasses that of ground-based telescopes.

In the years since launch, the Hubble Space Telescope continues its role at the forefront of astronomy, ranging from our own Solar System to the high-redshift universe.

Through the middle of the next decade, HST will remain the only space-based telescope providing spectroscopy and high-resolution imaging at UV, optical, and near-infrared wavelengths. With the launch of JWST in 2021, the bold science questions pursued with HST will be bolstered by the complementary capabilities of the two observatories.

part of HST's Legacy ExtraGalactic UV Survey (LEGUS)
NGC 3627, part of the Hubble Space Telescope's Legacy ExtraGalactic UV Survey (LEGUS), the sharpest, most comprehensive ultraviolet-light survey of star-forming galaxies in the nearby universe. The images are a blend of ultraviolet light and visible light from Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 and Advanced Camera for Surveys.

HST For the Public


Using the Hubble Telescope

Observatory News

Resources

Press Releases

View All HST Press Releases on Hubblesite.org 

Upcoming STScI Events

View All Events

  • Astronomy and Public Policy

    Astronomy and Public Policy
    27 Mar 2024

    The federal government plays a key role in US astronomy, such as building and operating observatories, funding grants, and regulating activities related to astronomy. However, the federal...

  • Webb Office Hours

    Webb Office Hours
    28 Mar 2024

    The JWST User Community is invited to call into Webb Office Hours to ask questions and directly interact with a team of STScI JWST experts via WebEx. We welcome questions about the...

  • Gamma Ray Bursts: Spectacular Explosions from the Distant Past

    Gamma Ray Bursts: Spectacular Explosions from the Distant Past
    2 Apr 2024

    Speaker: Giovanna Pugliese (API / University of Amsterdam)

Pre-footer

HST Help Desk 

Please contact the HST Help Desk with any questions.