Hubble Space Telescope Basics

Description: Test your knowledge about the Hubble Space Telescope and its contributions to astronomy.
Number of Questions: 14
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Tags: astronomy space telescopes hubble space telescope
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What is the primary mirror diameter of the Hubble Space Telescope?

  1. 2.4 meters

  2. 4.2 meters

  3. 6.5 meters

  4. 8.2 meters


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Hubble Space Telescope's primary mirror has a diameter of 2.4 meters, enabling it to collect and focus light from distant objects.

When was the Hubble Space Telescope launched into orbit?

  1. 1989

  2. 1990

  3. 1991

  4. 1992


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Hubble Space Telescope was successfully launched into orbit on April 24, 1990, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.

What is the Hubble Space Telescope's main mission objective?

  1. Studying the formation and evolution of galaxies

  2. Observing planets and moons in our solar system

  3. Searching for extraterrestrial life

  4. Exploring the surface of Mars


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Hubble Space Telescope's primary mission is to study the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars, and other celestial objects in the universe.

Which space agency is responsible for the Hubble Space Telescope?

  1. NASA

  2. ESA

  3. JAXA

  4. CNSA


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Hubble Space Telescope is a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), with NASA being the primary agency responsible for its operation and maintenance.

What is the Hubble Deep Field image famous for?

  1. Revealing the first stars in the universe

  2. Capturing the most distant galaxies ever seen

  3. Discovering new planets outside our solar system

  4. Observing the birth of a black hole


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Hubble Deep Field image, taken in 1995, is renowned for capturing the most distant galaxies ever seen at that time, providing valuable insights into the early universe.

How many servicing missions have been conducted on the Hubble Space Telescope?

  1. 3

  2. 5

  3. 7

  4. 9


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

There have been five successful servicing missions conducted on the Hubble Space Telescope, allowing astronauts to repair and upgrade its instruments and systems.

What is the name of the Hubble Space Telescope's successor?

  1. James Webb Space Telescope

  2. Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

  3. Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope

  4. Vera C. Rubin Observatory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The James Webb Space Telescope is the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, designed to study the universe in infrared light and explore the earliest galaxies and stars.

What type of telescope is the Hubble Space Telescope?

  1. Refracting telescope

  2. Reflecting telescope

  3. Catadioptric telescope

  4. Radio telescope


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Hubble Space Telescope is a reflecting telescope, utilizing a primary mirror to collect and focus light from distant objects.

Which instrument on the Hubble Space Telescope is used to study the composition of stars and galaxies?

  1. Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2)

  2. Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS)

  3. Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS)

  4. Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS)


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) is an instrument on the Hubble Space Telescope that enables astronomers to study the composition of stars and galaxies by analyzing their light spectra.

What is the approximate orbital altitude of the Hubble Space Telescope?

  1. 350 kilometers

  2. 550 kilometers

  3. 750 kilometers

  4. 950 kilometers


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Hubble Space Telescope orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 550 kilometers, allowing it to avoid the distortions caused by Earth's atmosphere.

Which Hubble Space Telescope image revealed the existence of a supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy?

  1. Hubble Deep Field

  2. Pillars of Creation

  3. Sombrero Galaxy

  4. M87 Black Hole


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Hubble Space Telescope's image of the M87 Black Hole, released in 2019, provided the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy.

What is the name of the Hubble Space Telescope's primary camera?

  1. Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2)

  2. Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS)

  3. Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3)

  4. Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS)


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) was the Hubble Space Telescope's primary camera from 1993 to 2009, capturing iconic images like the Hubble Deep Field.

Which Hubble Space Telescope image showcases the beauty and complexity of the Orion Nebula?

  1. Pillars of Creation

  2. Sombrero Galaxy

  3. M87 Black Hole

  4. Horsehead Nebula


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Hubble Space Telescope's image of the Pillars of Creation in the Orion Nebula, captured in 1995, is a stunning representation of the intricate structures and processes occurring in star-forming regions.

What is the Hubble Space Telescope's expected operational lifespan?

  1. 10 years

  2. 15 years

  3. 20 years

  4. 25 years


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Hubble Space Telescope was initially designed for a 15-year lifespan, but thanks to successful servicing missions, it has exceeded this and is expected to continue operating for at least 25 years.

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