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 Telescope
Observatory News
Resources
Press Releases
View All HST Press Releases on Hubblesite.org
Upcoming STScI Events
-
Accurate Flux Calibration in the Era of Space Astronomy and All-Sky Surveys
Advances in space telescope technology and all-sky surveys are driving the need for more precise and accurate flux calibration across the observable spectrum. The Space Telescope...
-
Webb Office Hours
The JWST User Community is invited to call into Webb Office Hours to ask questions and directly interact with a team of STScI JWST experts via WebEx. We welcome questions about the...
-
Pushing into the Cosmic Dark Ages with JWST
Pushing the Hubble Space Telescope to its limits at the end of the last decade has allowed astronomers to view the tip of the cosmic iceberg at a time only 500 Myr after the Big Bang....