# Keep Looking, What Do You See? (DD-256)

> The Hubble Space Telescope, a NASA project with the European Space Agency, was launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on April 24, 1990. A flaw in its main mirror was corrected by astronauts in 1993, and five servicing missions kept it working. Orbiting above the atmosphere, it takes sharp images free of atmospheric blur. Its observations helped pin down the age of the universe at about 13.8 billion years, supported the discovery of the universe's accelerating expansion and dark energy, and produced views of distant galaxies and nebulae. The footage shows Hubble in orbit and its images, with the presenter.

- Department: Space (also Science)
- First published: 2024-06-22
- Last updated: 2024-06-22
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/keep-looking-what-do-you-see/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **April 24, 1990**: Hubble launches aboard Discovery
- **1993**: Astronauts correct the flaw in its mirror

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=keep-looking-what-do-you-see

## Quick facts

- **DD-256-F01**: Hubble launched on April 24, 1990. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (1990))_
- **DD-256-F02**: Astronauts fixed its mirror in 1993. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Mirror fix))_

## Write-up

Hubble launched in 1990 and still works today. Its images helped reveal dark energy.

1. **1990**: Hubble launched on April 24, 1990.
2. **Mirror fix**: Astronauts fixed its mirror in 1993.
3. **Above the air**: It sees without atmospheric blur.
4. **Age of the universe**: It helped measure the universe's age.
5. **Dark energy**: It helped reveal dark energy.

## Related case files

- [Stellar Birth (DD-037)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/stellar-birth/): I linked star formation, a favorite Hubble subject
- [It IS Rocket Science (DD-257)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/it-is-rocket-science/): I linked more spaceflight, on the Space Shuttle
- [Eyes in the Sky (DD-255)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/eyes-in-the-sky/): I linked more spaceflight, on Hubble

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Keep Looking, What Do You See?: Hubble Launched in 1990 and Still Works Today

- Duration: 29.4 s · Published: 2024-06-22
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C8ismL-tuJt.mp4

### Transcript

The Hubble Space Telescope is one of the most significant astronomical instruments in history. Launched by NASA in 1990, Hubble orbits Earth and captures stunning images of the universe free from atmospheric distortion. Its powerful observations have led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as the age of the universe, the existence of dark energy, and detailed views of distant galaxies, nebulae and star forming regions. Hubble has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos, providing scientists with invaluable data and captivating the public with its breathtaking images. Its legacy continues to inspire and expand our knowledge of the universe. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: When did Hubble launch?**  
A: On Discovery. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (1990) · Wikipedia: Hubble Space Telescope)_

**Q: Which agency partnered with NASA?**  
A: European Space Agency. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Mirror fix) · Wikipedia: Hubble Space Telescope)_

**Q: What was fixed in 1993?**  
A: Servicing mission. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Above the air) · Wikipedia: Hubble Space Telescope)_

**Q: Why are its images sharp?**  
A: No blur. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Age of the universe) · Wikipedia: Hubble Space Telescope)_

**Q: What did it help reveal?**  
A: Accelerating expansion. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Dark energy) · Wikipedia: Hubble Space Telescope)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Hubble Space Telescope](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubble_Space_Telescope)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Keep Looking, What Do You See?." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-256, last updated Jun 22, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/keep-looking-what-do-you-see/