Historical Events tagged with "hubble"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Pluto's Moons Kerberos and Styx Receive Names
The International Astronomical Union officially named two of Pluto's moons, Kerberos and Styx, solidifying their identities in the astronomical community. Previously designated as P4 and P5, these celestial bodies were discovered through images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. The names Kerberos, after the three-headed dog in mythology, and Styx, named after the river in Greek mythology, were submitted by their discoverers, an example of the union’s commitment to honoring cultural heritage in celestial nomenclature.
Continue ReadingSpace Shuttle Discovery's Final Landing
Space Shuttle Discovery completed its historic final landing at Kennedy Space Center, marking the end of a remarkable 30-year career. It was the shuttle's 39th mission, and it returned from a 13-day mission to the International Space Station. Discovery played a crucial role in building the ISS, launching the Hubble Space Telescope, and conducting numerous scientific experiments. The landing concluded with a touching farewell to the shuttle, which had become an iconic symbol of American space exploration.
Continue ReadingFinal Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis
Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched on its final mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, marking a significant milestone in the field of space exploration. The mission included a crew of six astronauts and focused on upgrading and repairing the telescope, which has been pivotal in astronomical discoveries since its launch in 1990. Atlantis ascended from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, showcasing NASA's legacy in space observation and scientific research. The crew performed critical tasks such as replacing gyroscopes and installing new instruments to enhance Hubble's capabilities, ensuring its operation for years to come.
Continue ReadingPluto's Moons Nix and Hydra Are Named
NASA announced the official names of two newly discovered moons of Pluto: Nix and Hydra. The names were chosen through a public poll conducted by the space agency, highlighting the playful and mythological attributes of the celestial bodies. Nix, named after the Greek goddess of night, and Hydra, named after the multi-headed serpent from mythology, reflect the character of Pluto's intriguing system within our solar system. The announcement added excitement as it furthered understanding of Pluto's complex nature.
Continue ReadingDiscovery of Pluto's Nix and Hydra Moons
Astronomers utilizing the Hubble Space Telescope confirmed the existence of two additional moons orbiting Pluto, named Nix and Hydra. This finding expanded our understanding of Pluto's satellite system, revealing that it is more complex than previously thought. Nix and Hydra were detected through a series of observations aimed at studying Pluto's environment and its outer solar system companions. The discovery took place after detailed imaging sessions that showcased the moons' faint brightness against the vast darkness of space.
Continue ReadingColumbia Launches for Hubble Service Mission
Space Shuttle Columbia launched on mission STS-109 to service the Hubble Space Telescope, marking significant enhancements to the telescope's capabilities. The shuttle aimed to install important upgrades and repairs, including new instruments and a cooling system to extend the life of Hubble. The mission was notable not only for its technical achievements but also for the teamwork and collaboration of astronauts and ground crews.
Continue ReadingFirst Detection of Extrasolar Planet Atmosphere
Using the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers detected hydrogen in the atmosphere of the extrasolar planet Osiris, marking a significant milestone in the study of distant worlds. This groundbreaking discovery indicated that Osiris has an atmosphere, providing important insights into its composition. The finding not only exemplified the capabilities of Hubble but also signaled a new era of astrophysics, paving the way for future research into exoplanets and their atmospheres.
Continue ReadingLaunch of Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-103
Space Shuttle Discovery launched on STS-103, a mission focused on the Hubble Space Telescope. The launch occurred from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with a crew of seven astronauts. They were tasked with conducting repairs and upgrades to enhance Hubble’s capabilities. This mission was particularly significant as it involved replacing gyroscopes, installing new instruments, and performing multiple spacewalks.
Continue ReadingSpace Shuttle Discovery Serves Hubble Telescope
Space Shuttle Discovery launched on a mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, providing essential upgrades and repairs. The mission aimed to enhance the telescope's capabilities, extending its operational life and improving its scientific output. The crew successfully installed new instruments, making significant contributions to astronomy and space science.
Continue Reading