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The Hubble Space Telescope | |
The Hubble Space Telescope was named after the astronomer Edwin
Hubble, who, as a boy, had a paper route.
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The Hubble Space Telescope was launched on the Space Shuttle on
April 24, 1990. It is a very special telescope which orbits far above the
Earth. Hubble allows us to see objects more clearly because it is
above the clouds in Earth's atmosphere. These clouds block the view of the
Earth-based telescopes which scientists have used for many years.
Hubble is not only a powerful telescope, but it also carries cameras
which allow scientists on Earth to see objects billions of light-years away.
Hubble runs on solar power. Scientists in Greenbelt, Maryland control
it using radio signals. The Hubble Space Telescope was built to last
for at least 15 years. Astronauts from the Space Shuttle make visits to
Hubble so they can give it a "check-up". Everyone wants to
keep Hubble in perfect working condition so it will continue to send
back amazing pictures to us here on Earth.
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A Question
Whose job is it to make sure Hubble is always in
perfect working order?
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StarChild Authors: The StarChild Team
StarChild Graphics & Music: Acknowledgments
StarChild Project Leader: Dr. Laura A.
Whitlock
Curator:
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