5 Things: Hubble Space Telescope

The video explains how our eyes see only a small fraction of stars due to distance and atmospheric distortion. Telescopes, like the Hubble Space Telescope, help us see further by collecting more light. Hubble, launched in 1990, orbits Earth and captures images of distant galaxies, some millions of light years away. Light years measure the distance light travels in a year. Hubble's images show galaxies as they were millions of years ago. It has also discovered galaxies in seemingly empty sky patches, revealing insights into the universe's early days. Hubble studies our solar system, observing phenomena like storms on Mars and Saturn's rings, and has uncovered thousands of new galaxies.

Why do stars appear to twinkle when observed from Earth?

• Due to the sun's interference

• Because of the Earth's atmosphere distorting the light

• Due to the stars' own movement

• Because of the moon's reflection

What is a light year?

• The time it takes for a star to complete one cycle

• The distance between the Earth and the moon

• The distance light travels in one year

• The time it takes for light to travel from the sun to Earth

How far is the Whirlpool Galaxy from Earth?

• 100,000 light years

• 1 billion light years

• 340 miles

• 25 million light years

What did Hubble discover when pointed at a seemingly empty patch of sky?

• A new planet

• A black hole

• Galaxies more distant than ever seen before

• A supernova

Which of the following is NOT studied by the Hubble Space Telescope?

• The core of the Earth

• Aurora on Jupiter

• The rings of Saturn

• Storms on Mars