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Introduction to the Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is a space-based observatory orbiting Earth. Hubble observes the universe in multiple wavelengths of light, from ultraviolet to visible to near-infrared.

 

The Hubble Space Telescope’s launch in 1990 marked the beginning of a new era in humanity’s exploration of the universe. From above Earth’s obscuring atmosphere, Hubble can obtain extremely high-resolution images and detailed spectroscopic data of the cosmos, from our solar system to the distant, early universe. Scientists submit proposals to use Hubble through an open, peer-reviewed, anonymous competition.

Through the middle of the next decade, HST will remain the only space-based telescope providing spectroscopy and high-resolution imaging at ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths. Since the James Webb Space Telescope launched in 2021, the two observatories have been working in tandem to push astronomy forward and pursue the boldest scientific questions of our time.

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

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  • Hidden Gems in the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram

    Hidden Gems in the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
    18 Jun 2024

    The 2024 ESA Distinguished Lecture will feature Dr. Orlagh Creevey talking about Hidden Gems in the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram. Dr. Creevey is an astrophysicist at the Observatoire...

  • 2024 HotSci at JHU/STScI: Getting Ready for Roman

    2024 HotSci at JHU/STScI: Getting Ready for Roman
    26 Jun 2024

    "Getting Ready for Roman" featuring Annalisa Calamida (STScI) on The Roman Galactic Bulge Time-Domain Community Survey, Rachael Beaton (STScI) on Roman & the...

  • JWebbinar 33 - JWST NIRSpec MOS Data Reduction

    JWebbinar 33 - JWST NIRSpec MOS Data Reduction
    27 Jun 2024

    This JWebbinar will cover NIRSpec MOS (multi-object spectroscopy) data reduction by the JWST pipeline with example notebooks. We will cover recent pipeline updates that deliver improved...

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HST Help Desk 

Please contact the HST Help Desk with any questions.