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{{Short description|Instrument in space to study astronomical objects}}
{{Short description|Instrument in space to study astronomical objects}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2023}}

[[File:Wavelength Sensitivity of Hubble, Webb, Roman, and Other Observatories (01FEBQTM8Y4FESTQ4N2AFQDBXH).jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|Wavelength sensitivity of Hubble, Webb, Roman, and other major observatories]]
[[File:HST-SM4.jpeg|thumb|The [[Hubble Space Telescope]], one of the [[Great Observatories program|Great Observatories]]]]
[[File:HST-SM4.jpeg|thumb|The [[Hubble Space Telescope]], one of the [[Great Observatories program|Great Observatories]]]]
A '''space telescope''' (also known as '''space observatory''') is a [[telescope]] in outer space used to observe astronomical objects. Suggested by [[Lyman Spitzer]] in 1946, the first operational telescopes were the American [[Orbiting Astronomical Observatory]], [[OAO-2]] launched in 1968, and the Soviet [[Orion (space telescope)|Orion 1 ultraviolet telescope]] aboard space station [[Salyut 1]] in 1971. Space telescopes avoid several problems caused by the atmosphere, including the absorption or scattering of certain wavelengths of light, obstruction by clouds, and distortions due to atmospheric refraction such as [[twinkling]]. Space telescopes can also observe dim objects during the daytime, and they avoid [[light pollution]] which [[Observatory#Ground-based observatories|ground-based observatories]] encounter. They are divided into two types: Satellites which map the entire sky ([[astronomical survey]]), and satellites which focus on selected [[astronomical object]]s or parts of the sky and beyond. Space telescopes are distinct from [[Earth imaging satellite]]s, which point toward Earth for [[satellite imaging]], applied for [[Weather satellite|weather analysis]], [[Reconnaissance satellite|espionage]], and [[Remote sensing|other types of information gathering]].
{{Spaceflight sidebar}}

A '''space telescope''' or '''space observatory''' is a [[telescope]] in outer space used to observe astronomical objects. Suggested by [[Lyman Spitzer]] in 1946, the first operational telescopes were the American [[Orbiting Astronomical Observatory]], [[OAO-2]] launched in 1968, and the Soviet [[Orion (space telescope)|Orion 1 ultraviolet telescope]] aboard space station [[Salyut 1]] in 1971. Space telescopes avoid the filtering and distortion ([[Scintillation (astronomy)|scintillation]]) of [[electromagnetic radiation]] which they observe, and avoid [[light pollution]] which [[Observatory#Ground-based observatories|ground-based observatories]] encounter. They are divided into two types: Satellites which map the entire sky ([[astronomical survey]]), and satellites which focus on selected [[astronomical object]]s or parts of the sky and beyond. Space telescopes are distinct from [[Earth imaging satellite]]s, which point toward Earth for [[satellite imaging]], applied for [[Weather satellite|weather analysis]], [[Reconnaissance satellite|espionage]], and [[Remote sensing|other types of information gathering]].


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Spitzer, Hubble and XMM-Newton.tif|thumb|left|upright=0.70|[[Spitzer Space Telescope|Spitzer]], [[Hubble Space Telescope|Hubble]] and [[XMM-Newton|XMM]] with their most important parts depicted]]


In 1946, American theoretical astrophysicist [[Lyman Spitzer]], "father of Hubble" proposed to put a telescope in space.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lyman Spitzer - NASA Science |url=https://science.nasa.gov/people/lyman-spitzer-making-space-for-hubble/ |website=science.nasa.gov |access-date=7 January 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Hubble Essentials: About Lyman Spitzer, Jr. |publisher = [[Space Telescope Science Institute]] |website = Hubble Site |url = http://hubblesite.org/the_telescope/hubble_essentials/lyman_spitzer.php }}</ref> Spitzer's proposal called for a large telescope that would not be hindered by Earth's atmosphere. After lobbying in the 1960s and 70s for such a system to be built, Spitzer's vision ultimately materialized into the [[Hubble Space Telescope]], which was launched on April 24, 1990, by the [[Space Shuttle Discovery|Space Shuttle ''Discovery'']] (STS-31).<ref>{{cite web |title = Hubble Essentials: Quick Facts |publisher = [[Space Telescope Science Institute]] |website = Hubble Site |url = http://hubblesite.org/the_telescope/hubble_essentials/quick_facts.php }}</ref> This was launched due to many efforts by Nancy Grace Roman, "mother of Hubble", who was the first Chief of Astronomy and first female executive at NASA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2024 |title=The mother of hubble |url=https://esahubble.org/about/history/the-mother-of-hubble/}}</ref> She was a program scientist that worked to convince NASA, Congress, and others that Hubble was "very well worth doing".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. Nancy Grace Roman (1925-2018) - NASA Science |url=https://science.nasa.gov/people/nancy-roman/ |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=science.nasa.gov |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[Wilhelm Beer]] and [[Johann Heinrich Mädler]] in 1837 discussed the advantages of an observatory on the Moon.<ref name="galaxy196506">{{cite magazine
|last1 = Ley
|first1 = Willy
|last2 = Menzel
|first2 = Donald H.
|last3 = Richardson
|first3 = Robert S.
|date = June 1965
|title = The Observatory on the Moon
|department = For Your Information
|url = https://archive.org/stream/Galaxy_v23n05_1965-06#page/n131/mode/2up
|magazine = Galaxy Science Fiction
|pages = 132–150
}}</ref> In 1946, American theoretical astrophysicist [[Lyman Spitzer]] proposed a telescope in space.<ref>{{cite web |title = Hubble Essentials: About Lyman Spitzer, Jr. |publisher = [[Space Telescope Science Institute]] |website = Hubble Site |url = http://hubblesite.org/the_telescope/hubble_essentials/lyman_spitzer.php }}</ref> Spitzer's proposal called for a large telescope that would not be hindered by Earth's atmosphere. After lobbying in the 1960s and 70s for such a system to be built, Spitzer's vision ultimately materialized into the [[Hubble Space Telescope]], which was launched on April 24, 1990, by the [[Space Shuttle Discovery|Space Shuttle ''Discovery'']] (STS-31).<ref>{{cite web |title = Hubble Essentials: Quick Facts |publisher = [[Space Telescope Science Institute]] |website = Hubble Site |url = http://hubblesite.org/the_telescope/hubble_essentials/quick_facts.php }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = The Hubble Space Telescope |publisher = Vic Stathopoulos |url = http://www.aerospaceguide.net/hubblespacetelescope.html |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101225053139/http://www.aerospaceguide.net/hubblespacetelescope.html |archive-date = 2010-12-25 }}</ref>


The first operational space telescopes were the American [[Orbiting Astronomical Observatory]], [[OAO-2]] launched in 1968, and the Soviet [[Orion (space telescope)|Orion 1 ultraviolet telescope]] aboard space station [[Salyut 1]] in 1971.
The first operational space telescopes were the American [[Orbiting Astronomical Observatory]], [[OAO-2]] launched in 1968, and the Soviet [[Orion (space telescope)|Orion 1 ultraviolet telescope]] aboard space station [[Salyut 1]] in 1971.


== Advantages ==
== Advantages ==
[[File:NASA's Great Observatories Provide a Detailed View of Kepler's Supernova Remnant.jpg|thumb|[[Kepler's Supernova]] observed in visible light, infrared, and X-rays by NASA's three [[Great Observatories]]]]
Performing [[astronomy]] from [[Observatory#Ground-based observatories|ground-based observatories]] on Earth is limited by the filtering and distortion of [[electromagnetic radiation]] ([[Scintillation (astronomy)|scintillation]] or twinkling) due to the [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]].{{r|galaxy196506}} A telescope orbiting Earth outside the atmosphere is subject neither to twinkling nor to [[light pollution]] from artificial light sources on Earth. As a result, the [[angular resolution]] of space telescopes is often much higher than a ground-based telescope with a similar [[aperture]]. Many larger terrestrial telescopes, however, reduce atmospheric effects with [[adaptive optics]].
Performing [[astronomy]] from [[Observatory#Ground-based observatories|ground-based observatories]] on Earth is limited by the filtering and distortion of [[electromagnetic radiation]] ([[Scintillation (astronomy)|scintillation]] or twinkling) due to the [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]]. A telescope orbiting Earth outside the atmosphere is subject neither to twinkling nor to [[light pollution]] from artificial light sources on Earth. As a result, the [[angular resolution]] of space telescopes is often much higher than a ground-based telescope with a similar [[aperture]]. Many larger terrestrial telescopes, however, reduce atmospheric effects with [[adaptive optics]].<ref name=nasa>{{cite web |title=Why a Telescope in Space? - NASA Science |url=https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/overview/why-a-space-telescope-in-space/ |website=science.nasa.gov |access-date=7 January 2024 |language=en}}</ref>


Space-based astronomy is more important for frequency ranges that are outside the [[optical window]] and the [[radio window]], the only two wavelength ranges of the [[electromagnetic spectrum]] that are not severely attenuated by the atmosphere.<ref name=nasa/> For example, [[X-ray astronomy]] is nearly impossible when done from Earth, and has reached its current importance in astronomy only due to orbiting X-ray telescopes such as the [[Chandra X-ray Observatory]] and the [[XMM-Newton|XMM-Newton observatory]]. [[Infrared]] and [[ultraviolet]] are also largely blocked.
[[File:Ill-2 O3.jpg|thumb|Space and ground observatories' wavelength working ranges compared against atmospheric transparency windows]]

Space-based astronomy is more important for frequency ranges that are outside the [[optical window]] and the [[radio window]], the only two wavelength ranges of the [[electromagnetic spectrum]] that are not severely attenuated by the atmosphere. For example, [[X-ray astronomy]] is nearly impossible when done from Earth, and has reached its current importance in astronomy only due to orbiting X-ray telescopes such as the [[Chandra X-ray Observatory]] and the [[XMM-Newton|XMM-Newton observatory]]. [[Infrared]] and [[ultraviolet]] are also largely blocked.


== Disadvantages ==
== Disadvantages ==
Line 37: Line 21:


== Future of space observatories ==
== Future of space observatories ==
Satellites have been launched and operated by [[NASA]], [[Indian Space Research Organisation|ISRO]], [[European Space Agency|ESA]], [[China National Space Administration|CNSA]], [[JAXA]] and the [[Soviet space program]] (later succeeded by [[Roscosmos]] of Russia). As of 2022, many space observatories have already completed their missions, while others continue operating on extended time. However, the future availability of space telescopes and observatories depends on timely and sufficient funding. While future space observatories are planned by NASA, JAXA and the [[China National Space Administration|CNSA]], scientists fear that there would be gaps in coverage that would not be covered immediately by future projects and this would affect research in fundamental science.<ref name="NDTV">{{cite web |url = https://www.ndtv.com/science/as-nasas-prized-telescopes-falter-astronomers-fear-losing-their-eyes-in-space-1934035 |last = Kaplan |first = Sarah |title = As NASA's Telescopes Falter, Astronomers Fear Losing Their Eyes In Space |date = 18 October 2018 |website = NDTV.com |access-date = 19 October 2018 }}</ref>
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Satellites have been launched and operated by [[NASA]], [[Indian Space Research Organisation|ISRO]], [[European Space Agency|ESA]], [[China National Space Administration|CNSA]], [[JAXA]] and the [[Soviet space program]] (later succeeded by [[Roscosmos]] of Russia). As of 2022, many space observatories have already completed their missions, while others continue operating on extended time. However, the future availability of space telescopes and observatories depends on timely and sufficient funding. While future space observatories are planned by NASA, JAXA and the [[China National Space Administration|CNSA]], scientists fear that there would be gaps in coverage that would not be covered immediately by future projects and this would affect research in fundamental science.<ref name="NDTV">{{cite web |url = https://www.ndtv.com/science/as-nasas-prized-telescopes-falter-astronomers-fear-losing-their-eyes-in-space-1934035 |last = Kaplan |first = Sarah |title = As NASA's Telescopes Falter, Astronomers Fear Losing Their Eyes In Space |date = 18 October 2018 |website = NDTV.com |access-date = 19 October 2018 }}</ref> For example, there was a fear that there would be a gap in coverage between the [[Hubble Space Telescope]] and the [[James Webb Space Telescope]] (JWST).


On 16 January 2023, NASA announced preliminary considerations of several future space telescope programs, including the Great Observatory Technology Maturation Program, [[Habitable Worlds Observatory]], and New Great Observatories.<ref name="SN-20230116">{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |title=NASA prepares next steps in development of future large space telescope |url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-prepares-next-steps-in-development-of-future-large-space-telescope/ |date=16 January 2023 |work=[[SpaceNews]] |accessdate=24 January 2023 }}</ref><ref name="SA-20230123">{{cite news |last=O'Callaghan |first=Jonthan |title=JWST Heralds a New Dawn for Exoplanet Science - The James Webb Space Telescope is opening an exciting new chapter in the study of exoplanets and the search for life beyond Earth |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/jwst-heralds-a-new-dawn-for-exoplanet-science/ |date=23 January 2023 |work=[[Scientific American]] |accessdate=24 January 2023 }}</ref>
On 16 January 2023, NASA announced preliminary considerations of several future space telescope programs, including the Great Observatory Technology Maturation Program, [[Habitable Worlds Observatory]], and New Great Observatories.<ref name="SN-20230116">{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |title=NASA prepares next steps in development of future large space telescope |url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-prepares-next-steps-in-development-of-future-large-space-telescope/ |date=16 January 2023 |work=[[SpaceNews]] |accessdate=24 January 2023 }}</ref><ref name="SA-20230123">{{cite news |last=O'Callaghan |first=Jonthan |title=JWST Heralds a New Dawn for Exoplanet Science - The James Webb Space Telescope is opening an exciting new chapter in the study of exoplanets and the search for life beyond Earth |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/jwst-heralds-a-new-dawn-for-exoplanet-science/ |date=23 January 2023 |work=[[Scientific American]] |accessdate=24 January 2023 }}</ref>


== List of space telescopes ==
== List of space telescopes ==
{{Main|List of space telescopes}}
[[File:Space telescopes.jpg|thumb|Some space observatories and their wavelength working ranges, as of 2005]]
{{Main list|List of space telescopes}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Airborne observatory]]
* [[Airborne observatory]]
* [[Balloon-borne telescope]]
* [[Earth observation satellite]]
* [[Earth observation satellite]]
* [[List of telescope types]]
* [[List of telescope types]]
* [[Observatory]]
* [[Timeline of artificial satellites and space probes]]
* [[Timeline of artificial satellites and space probes]]
* [[Timeline of telescopes, observatories, and observing technology]]
* [[Timeline of telescopes, observatories, and observing technology]]
* [[Ultraviolet astronomy]]
* [[Ultraviolet astronomy]]
* [[X-ray astronomy satellite]]
* [[X-ray telescope]]


== References ==
== References ==
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== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==
* Lyman Spitzer, [https://history.nasa.gov/SP-4407/vol5/chapter-3/III-1%20(546).pdf "Astronomical Advantages of an Extra-terrestrial Observatory"], 1946
* Neil English: ''[https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-27814-8 Space Telescopes – Capturing the Rays of the Electromagnetic Spectrum]''. Springer, Cham 2017, {{ISBN|978-3-319-27812-4}}.
* Neil English: ''[https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-27814-8 Space Telescopes – Capturing the Rays of the Electromagnetic Spectrum]''. Springer, Cham 2017, {{ISBN|978-3-319-27812-4}}.


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Space telescopes}}·
* {{Commons category-inline|Space telescopes}}·
* [https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/astro/astrolist.html Space telescopes with frequencies, at GSFC.] Latest version of image included in article above.
* [https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/astro/astrolist.html Space telescopes with frequencies, at GSFC.]


{{Clear}}
{{Space observatories}}
{{Space observatories}}
{{Inspace}}
{{Inspace}}

Latest revision as of 02:49, 5 June 2024

Wavelength sensitivity of Hubble, Webb, Roman, and other major observatories
The Hubble Space Telescope, one of the Great Observatories

A space telescope (also known as space observatory) is a telescope in outer space used to observe astronomical objects. Suggested by Lyman Spitzer in 1946, the first operational telescopes were the American Orbiting Astronomical Observatory, OAO-2 launched in 1968, and the Soviet Orion 1 ultraviolet telescope aboard space station Salyut 1 in 1971. Space telescopes avoid several problems caused by the atmosphere, including the absorption or scattering of certain wavelengths of light, obstruction by clouds, and distortions due to atmospheric refraction such as twinkling. Space telescopes can also observe dim objects during the daytime, and they avoid light pollution which ground-based observatories encounter. They are divided into two types: Satellites which map the entire sky (astronomical survey), and satellites which focus on selected astronomical objects or parts of the sky and beyond. Space telescopes are distinct from Earth imaging satellites, which point toward Earth for satellite imaging, applied for weather analysis, espionage, and other types of information gathering.

History

[edit]

In 1946, American theoretical astrophysicist Lyman Spitzer, "father of Hubble" proposed to put a telescope in space.[1][2] Spitzer's proposal called for a large telescope that would not be hindered by Earth's atmosphere. After lobbying in the 1960s and 70s for such a system to be built, Spitzer's vision ultimately materialized into the Hubble Space Telescope, which was launched on April 24, 1990, by the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-31).[3] This was launched due to many efforts by Nancy Grace Roman, "mother of Hubble", who was the first Chief of Astronomy and first female executive at NASA.[4] She was a program scientist that worked to convince NASA, Congress, and others that Hubble was "very well worth doing".[5]

The first operational space telescopes were the American Orbiting Astronomical Observatory, OAO-2 launched in 1968, and the Soviet Orion 1 ultraviolet telescope aboard space station Salyut 1 in 1971.

Advantages

[edit]
Kepler's Supernova observed in visible light, infrared, and X-rays by NASA's three Great Observatories

Performing astronomy from ground-based observatories on Earth is limited by the filtering and distortion of electromagnetic radiation (scintillation or twinkling) due to the atmosphere. A telescope orbiting Earth outside the atmosphere is subject neither to twinkling nor to light pollution from artificial light sources on Earth. As a result, the angular resolution of space telescopes is often much higher than a ground-based telescope with a similar aperture. Many larger terrestrial telescopes, however, reduce atmospheric effects with adaptive optics.[6]

Space-based astronomy is more important for frequency ranges that are outside the optical window and the radio window, the only two wavelength ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum that are not severely attenuated by the atmosphere.[6] For example, X-ray astronomy is nearly impossible when done from Earth, and has reached its current importance in astronomy only due to orbiting X-ray telescopes such as the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the XMM-Newton observatory. Infrared and ultraviolet are also largely blocked.

Disadvantages

[edit]

Space telescopes are much more expensive to build than ground-based telescopes. Due to their location, space telescopes are also extremely difficult to maintain. The Hubble Space Telescope was serviced by the Space Shuttle, but most space telescopes cannot be serviced at all.

Future of space observatories

[edit]

Satellites have been launched and operated by NASA, ISRO, ESA, CNSA, JAXA and the Soviet space program (later succeeded by Roscosmos of Russia). As of 2022, many space observatories have already completed their missions, while others continue operating on extended time. However, the future availability of space telescopes and observatories depends on timely and sufficient funding. While future space observatories are planned by NASA, JAXA and the CNSA, scientists fear that there would be gaps in coverage that would not be covered immediately by future projects and this would affect research in fundamental science.[7]

On 16 January 2023, NASA announced preliminary considerations of several future space telescope programs, including the Great Observatory Technology Maturation Program, Habitable Worlds Observatory, and New Great Observatories.[8][9]

List of space telescopes

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Lyman Spitzer - NASA Science". science.nasa.gov. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Hubble Essentials: About Lyman Spitzer, Jr". Hubble Site. Space Telescope Science Institute.
  3. ^ "Hubble Essentials: Quick Facts". Hubble Site. Space Telescope Science Institute.
  4. ^ "The mother of hubble". June 4, 2024.
  5. ^ "Dr. Nancy Grace Roman (1925-2018) - NASA Science". science.nasa.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
  6. ^ a b "Why a Telescope in Space? - NASA Science". science.nasa.gov. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  7. ^ Kaplan, Sarah (18 October 2018). "As NASA's Telescopes Falter, Astronomers Fear Losing Their Eyes In Space". NDTV.com. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  8. ^ Foust, Jeff (16 January 2023). "NASA prepares next steps in development of future large space telescope". SpaceNews. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  9. ^ O'Callaghan, Jonthan (23 January 2023). "JWST Heralds a New Dawn for Exoplanet Science - The James Webb Space Telescope is opening an exciting new chapter in the study of exoplanets and the search for life beyond Earth". Scientific American. Retrieved 24 January 2023.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]