In April of 2025, the Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 35th anniversary. A telescope is an instrument that makes distant objects seem larger and closer. Hubble is a special kind of telescope that is in space. It orbits Earth above the atmosphere [layer of gases that surrounds Earth], giving it a clearer view of space. Hubble sends the pictures it takes to Earth so scientists can study them and learn more about the universe.
Hubble was launched on April 24, 1990 aboard the space shuttle Discovery. In its 35 years, Hubble has made nearly 1.7 million observations. As a result of Hubble, scientists have been able to determine the age of the universe. They have seen the birth and death of stars and learned more about everything from planets in our own solar system to distant galaxies [groups of stars].
Despite being 35, Hubble is still very useful and in good health. This is due to the work of engineers on Earth and astronauts that have been sent to service the telescope in space. Software has been updated, and cameras and computers have been replaced over the years.
You may have learned about other space telescopes, such as the James Webb Space Telescope (or Webb). Today, Webb and Hubble often work together to observe space objects. Hubble’s work is also paving the way for future telescopes such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
What Do You Think? Why do you think Hubble’s work is important for future space exploration?
Photo Credit: (t)Dima Zel/Shutterstock, (b)NASA Image Collection/Alamy Stock Photo
