Hubble Space Telescope Concepts

In the 1920s, Edwin Hubble worked at the Mount Wilson Observatory, where he discovered Cepheid stars, leading to the realization that the universe is much larger than previously thought. He further discovered that galaxies are moving away from each other, leading to the formulation of Hubble's Law, which supports the theory of an expanding universe. This laid the groundwork for the Big Bang Theory. In 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched, allowing for continuous observation of the cosmos, furthering our understanding of the universe's age and size.

What was the significance of Edwin Hubble's discovery of Cepheid stars?

• They were the brightest stars in the universe.

• They helped calculate the distance to faraway galaxies.

• They were the first stars to be photographed.

• They were the first stars discovered outside the Milky Way.

What did Hubble's calculation of the distance to the Andromeda galaxy reveal?

• The Andromeda galaxy is the largest galaxy.

• The universe is smaller than previously thought.

• Galaxies are separate systems from the Milky Way.

• Galaxies are part of the Milky Way.

What does Hubble's Law state about the relationship between a galaxy's distance and its velocity?

• The velocity of a galaxy is inversely proportional to its distance.

• The distance of a galaxy is proportional to its velocity.

• The further a galaxy, the slower it moves.

• The closer a galaxy, the faster it moves.

How does Hubble's Law support the Big Bang Theory?

• It indicates the universe has always been static.

• It proves the universe is shrinking.

• It shows the universe is expanding from a high-energy state.

• It suggests the universe is contracting.

What is the primary function of the Hubble Space Telescope?

• To capture images of stars and distant galaxies.

• To explore the surface of Mars.

• To communicate with extraterrestrial life.

• To monitor Earth's weather patterns.