Exploring the Hubble Space Telescope

In what year was the Hubble Space Telescope launched?

• 1985

• 1990

• 1995

• 2000

Answer explanation

The Hubble Space Telescope was launched on April 24, 1990, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. This makes 1990 the correct answer, as the other options are years before or after its actual launch.

How many times have astronauts repaired the Hubble Space Telescope?

• Three times

• Four times

• Five times

• Six times

Answer explanation

Astronauts have repaired the Hubble Space Telescope five times during servicing missions, enhancing its capabilities and extending its operational life.

What is one of the significant capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope?

• Detecting sound waves in space

• Detecting black holes and planets beyond our solar system

• Measuring the temperature of stars

• Communicating with extraterrestrial life

Answer explanation

The Hubble Space Telescope is renowned for its ability to detect black holes and planets beyond our solar system, providing crucial insights into the universe's structure and the existence of celestial bodies outside our own solar system.

Approximately how many observations has the Hubble Space Telescope made since its launch?

• 500,000

• 750,000

• 1,000,000

• 1,500,000

Answer explanation

The Hubble Space Telescope has made approximately 1,000,000 observations since its launch in 1990, making it a vital tool for astronomical research and discovery.

What is the approximate size of the Hubble Space Telescope?

• The size of a car

• The size of a school bus

• The size of a house

• The size of a football field

Answer explanation

The Hubble Space Telescope is approximately the size of a school bus, measuring about 13.3 meters (43.5 feet) in length. This makes it significantly larger than a car but much smaller than a house or a football field.

How much does the Hubble Space Telescope weigh?

• As much as one elephant

• As much as two elephants

• As much as three elephants

• As much as four elephants

Answer explanation

The Hubble Space Telescope weighs approximately 11,000 kilograms, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of two elephants, making 'As much as two elephants' the correct choice.

What was the initial expected operational lifespan of the Hubble Space Telescope?

• 10 years

• 15 years

• 20 years

• 25 years

Answer explanation

The Hubble Space Telescope was initially expected to have an operational lifespan of 15 years. This estimate was based on the technology and materials used at the time of its launch.

Until what year might the Hubble Space Telescope continue to operate?

• 2025

• 2030

• 2035

• 2040

Answer explanation

The Hubble Space Telescope is expected to continue operating until around 2030, as its instruments and systems are aging, and future servicing missions are unlikely.

What was a revolutionary impact of the Hubble Space Telescope's launch?

• It allowed for clearer observations beyond the atmospheric limitations of ground-based telescopes.

• It was the first telescope to be launched into space.

• It was the first telescope to use solar power.

• It was the first telescope to be controlled by artificial intelligence.

Answer explanation

The Hubble Space Telescope revolutionized astronomy by providing clearer observations from space, free from atmospheric distortion, allowing for more detailed studies of distant celestial objects.

What is a unique feature of the Hubble Space Telescope's design?

• It is made entirely of glass.

• It is designed for repairs by astronauts.

• It is powered by nuclear energy.

• It can transform into a satellite.

Answer explanation

A unique feature of the Hubble Space Telescope is its design for repairs by astronauts, allowing maintenance and upgrades in space, which enhances its longevity and functionality.