What is the Hubble Space Telescope and what discoveries has it made?

The Hubble Space Telescope is a space-based observatory launched by NASA in 1990. It orbits Earth outside of the atmosphere, which allows it to capture clear images of astronomical objects without the blurring effects caused by air turbulence. Hubble has significantly advanced the field of astronomy and has provided insights into numerous areas of cosmic research. One of Hubble's most famous discoveries was the determination of the rate of expansion of the universe. By observing distant supernovae, Hubble played a pivotal role in demonstrating that the universe is not only expanding but also accelerating in its expansion. This discovery led to the hypothesis of dark energy, which is thought to comprise a significant portion of the universe's total energy content. Hubble has also contributed to the study of the formation of stars and galaxies. Its deep field images, which focus on small patches of the sky for extended periods, have revealed thousands of distant galaxies, allowing astronomers to study the early universe and the evolution of galaxies over time. In addition, Hubble has provided insights into the life cycles of stars, the presence of exoplanets, and the atmospheric conditions of planets in our solar system. Its observations of objects such as Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter have given scientists a better understanding of planetary atmospheres and weather patterns. Overall, Hubble has had an immense influence on modern astronomy, enriching our knowledge of the universe and continuing to inspire future generations of scientists and enthusiasts. For the latest information regarding Hubble's missions and discoveries, one might consider looking at the current web page of NASA.gov.