Space telescopes are astronomical observatories that are stationed outside the Earth’s atmosphere and are designed to study various celestial objects. Unlike Earth-based telescopes, space telescopes can observe electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere. The information gathered by these advanced instruments help astronomers to expand our understanding of the universe.
History of Space Telescopes
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope was the first space telescope launched into orbit in 1990. The Hubble Space Telescope is known as one of the most powerful observational tools in the astronomical community. NASA has launched several other space telescopes such as the Chandra X-ray Observatory, Spitzer Space Telescope, the Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope, and more.
Importance of Space Telescopes
Space telescopes observe the universe through different wavelengths, which help discover the universe’s way to create and evolve, shift and turn, and expand and form. These telescopes provide a unique perspective to gain access to the universe, a broader vision than any Earth-based observatory. They have produced some of the most iconic images of the universe and have contributed to significant discoveries, ranging from the Hubble’s Law, the existence of dark energy, dark matter, and more.
Future of Space Telescopes
NASA and other space regulating agencies have several missions in the works, including the revolutionary James Webb Space Telescope. The James Webb Telescope will have a 6.5-meter mirror, more than 100 times more powerful than the Hubble. The launch of this marvelous invention is scheduled for late October 2021.There is no doubt that space telescopes revolutionized astronomy. These telescopes have contributed immensely to the field of astronomy and have transformed our knowledge of the universe. With the upcoming launch of newer telescopes, we can only imagine what is to come.