Pictures of the hubble telescope
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Pictures of the Hubble Telescope
Introduction to Hubble Space Telescope Images
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has provided some of the most breathtaking and scientifically valuable images of the cosmos. These images have not only advanced our understanding of the universe but have also captivated the public's imagination. The HST's ability to capture high-resolution images across various wavelengths has made it an indispensable tool in modern astronomy.
Spectacular Images from Hubble
Supernovae and Nebulae
One of the notable images captured by Hubble includes the multiband images of SN 2001du in NGC 1365, which show the supernova nearly coincident with a blue object1. Additionally, Hubble has captured dazzling images of supernova remnants, such as the giant ring of gas surrounding the area where supernova 1987A exploded. These images use different colors to represent various elements like oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur, providing a detailed spectrographic view of the event2.
Starburst Galaxies
Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) has also been used to create a mosaic of the prototypical starburst galaxy M82. This large, four-filter mosaic was released to celebrate Hubble's 16th anniversary and showcases the galaxy in stunning detail3.
The Red Rectangle Nebula
Another fascinating image from Hubble is of the Red Rectangle (RR), a bipolar proto-planetary nebula. The high-resolution images reveal complex structures, including a discontinuous "bicone" and a ladder-like structure formed by quasi-periodic mass loss from the central star6.
The Aesthetic and Scientific Impact
The Astronomical Sublime
Hubble images are not just scientific tools; they also possess an inherent aesthetic quality. Elizabeth A. Kessler's book, "Picturing the Cosmos: Hubble Space Telescope Images and the Astronomical Sublime," explores how these images evoke feelings of astonishment and the infinite, drawing parallels to nineteenth-century landscape paintings4. These images have played a crucial role in maintaining public interest and funding for NASA's missions, especially during times when the telescope faced technical challenges.
Public Engagement
Hubble's images have been widely disseminated, appearing not only in research papers but also on calendars, coffee mugs, and in art galleries. This widespread availability has allowed the public to become co-explorers of the cosmos, sharing in the wonder and discovery that Hubble brings7.
Advanced Camera for Surveys and Data Processing
COSMOS Survey
The COSMOS survey, conducted using Hubble's ACS, is one of the largest contiguous fields ever imaged with HST. Covering an area of 1.64 square degrees, the survey provides detailed imaging and data calibration, enabling a variety of studies aimed at understanding galaxy formation and evolution5.
MUSE Ultra Deep Field
In another significant project, the MUSE Ultra Deep Field, Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) provided extremely deep observations, capturing data across multiple wavelengths. This project has enabled the detection of thousands of sources, offering insights into the cosmic history over billions of years8.
Conclusion
The Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionized our understanding of the universe through its stunning and scientifically valuable images. From supernovae and nebulae to starburst galaxies and deep field surveys, Hubble's contributions are unparalleled. Its images not only advance scientific knowledge but also inspire and engage the public, making it one of the most iconic instruments in the history of astronomy.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
“A Search for Core‐Collapse Supernova Progenitors in Hubble Space Telescope Images” (PASP, 115, 1 [2003])
The Hubble Space Telescope has provided new images of SN 2001du in NGC 1365, showing the supernova nearly coincident with the blue object B.
Dazzling images from Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured stunning images of the Orion Nebula, supernova 1987A, and the center of our galaxy, revealing the unique motion of stars and gas around a black hole.
Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys Mosaic of the Prototypical Starburst Galaxy M82
The Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys captured a large mosaic of the prototypical starburst galaxy M82, offering a unique opportunity for further exploration and analysis.
Book Review: Sublime Images from Hubble, Picturing the Cosmos: Hubble Space Telescope Images and the Astronomical Sublime
Hubble images reflect the astronomical sublime and resemble earlier Western art traditions, promoting public interest and funding for NASA's cosmic exploration.
The COSMOS Survey: Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys Observations and Data Processing
The COSMOS survey with the Hubble Space Telescope has produced the largest contiguous field of images ever obtained, with a median exposure depth of 2028 seconds and a pixel scale of 30 mas pixel-1.
Highly CitedHubble Space Telescope Imaging of HD 44179, The Red Rectangle
The Red Rectangle nebula, associated with the post-AGB binary system HD 44179, reveals complex new structures and suggests a 14,000-year history of mass loss from the central star.
Highly Cited