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.
Using the Hubble Space Telescope
Observatory News
Resources
Press Releases
View All HST Press Releases
Upcoming STScI Events
-
Planetary Defense: The Risk, Recent Achievements, and Work to Go
Asteroid impacts pose a credible threat to humanity, but--unlike many types of natural disasters--they are also potentially preventable. Planetary defense encompasses all efforts to...
-
2026 HotSci at JHU/STScI
HotSci at JHU/STScI featuring Nikita Agarwal (West Virginia University) on Broad Frequency Targeted Gravitational Wave Searches with Pulsar Timing Arrays, Qier An (JHU) on Unveiling...
-
Into the Deep and Beyond: Webb’s First Four Years
Speaker: Dr. Macarena Garcia Marin, STScI and European Space Agency The Webb Space Telescope is the largest and most sophisticated space telescope ever built. Its successful launch...
HST Prefooter
HST Help Desk
Please contact the HST Help Desk with any questions.