Are there other space telescopes besides the Hubble?

Answer 1

There are quite a few telescopes in space right now like the Hubble space telescope, Chandra X-Ray observatory, Spitzer space telescope, FERMI space telescope, the Herchel observatory, WISE telescope and the James Webb space telescope will soon be launched in 2014.

Answer 2

There are many. But Hubble is the only one operating in the visible light wavelengths, and without a specific long-term mission.

The Spitzer Space Telescope operates in the infrared wavelengths while the Chandra X-ray observatory operates in the X-ray wavelengths. The Swift telescopes searches for gamma ray radiation in space.

Herschell, Planck and Kepler are recently launched telescopes. All three have specific missions.

Answer 3

A perfect example of a telescope in space would be the Hubble Telescope. It has many advantages over earth-bound telescopes. From the vantage point of space, a telescope does not have interference from our atmosphere. Dust particles, debris, and elements in our atmosphere all can inhibit difficulties in viewing the universe from a telescope on earth. A telescope in space takes these problems out of the equation. You can Google "hubble pics" and easily find hundreds of thousands of images that the Hubble has captured. These pictures have lead to scientific insights and breakthroughs that have changed the way we see ourselves, and our place in the universe. And still today, it provides us with new views that pique our curiosity, and bring us to exciting new information.

Answer 4

Like all satellites, the orbit depends on the purpose of the telescope.

The Hubble Space Telescope orbits in "low Earth orbit", a little higher than the International Space Station does but still within range of the Shuttle. This is because the Hubble was designed for easy maintenance and parts replacement by Shuttle astronauts. in fact, three Shuttle missions have been dedicated to performing maintenance and upgrades of the Hubble, including one just last year.

The Spitzer Space Telescope does not orbit the Earth at all; it is in orbit around the Sun, trailing a few million miles behind the Earth. Spitzer does not observe visible light, but infrared; it is a "heat" telescope. This selection of orbit keeps the Spitzer telescope well away from the hot Earth, allowing its temperature to decrease to about 40 degrees Kelvin, which reduces the load on the cryogenic mechanisms.

Answer 5

It's so that a clearer image of the cosmos can be achieved, since a telescope put into space will be above the atmosphere of the earth. The earths atmosphere distorts the light received from objects in space, dust and atmospheric gas interfere with the image (this is why earth based telescopes are usually placed as high up as possible, on mountain tops).

Answer 6

Yes it can see other galaxies. It is quite good at doing so also. Do an image search for "Hubble deep field" or "Hubble ultra deep field". In these pictures, every single point of light is a galaxy. Each one containing hundreds of millions of stars.

Answer 7

There are about 400 space telescopes currently in use around the world, most with specific missions. However the Hubble space telescope is the longest running without any specific mission.

Answer 8

The Hubble telescope is an example of the MANY space telescopes currently in use. For a complete list follow the link added below.

Answer 9

The Hubble Telescope and the James Webb telescope.

Answer 10

I think that theyre called satelites