The Hubble Space Telescope, named after the astronomer Edwin Hubble, is a space-based observatory that has revolutionized our understanding of the universe.
The idea for a space-based telescope was first proposed by astronomer Lyman Spitzer in 1946 and, in the 1960s, NASA and the European Space Agency began serious discussions about building a large space telescope. Construction of the telescope eventually began in the late 1970s but it didn't actually make it into space until it was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in April 1990.
Hubble has made numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including determining the rate of expansion of the universe, observing distant galaxies, studying exoplanets and their atmospheres, and providing detailed images of celestial objects.
The Hubble Space Telescope - which, at launch, was only projected to have a 15 year lifespan - remains one of the most significant astronomical observatories, providing breathtaking images and invaluable scientific data that have contributed to our understanding of the cosmos.
Hubble explores the universe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That means it has observed some fascinating cosmic wonder every day of the year, including on your birthday. Click here to submit your birthday and find out what it snapped.
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