Introduction to the Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is a space-based great observatory that observes at ultraviolet through near-infrared wavelengths. High resolution imaging and wide-ranging spectroscopic capabilities enable forefront research across all domains of astrophysics. Time on HST is awarded through an open peer-reviewed competition.
Hubble's launch in 1990 sped humanity to one of its greatest advances in that journey. Hubble is a telescope that orbits Earth. Its position above the atmosphere gives it a view of the universe that typically far surpasses that of ground-based telescopes.
In the years since launch, HST continues its role at the forefront of astronomy, ranging from our own Solar System to the high-redshift universe.
Through the middle of the next decade, HST will remain the only space-based telescope providing spectroscopy and high-resolution imaging at UV, optical, and near-infrared wavelengths. With the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope in 2021, the bold science questions pursued with HST will be bolstered by the complementary capabilities of the two observatories.
![part of HST's Legacy ExtraGalactic UV Survey (LEGUS)](/files/live/sites/www/files/home/hst/_images/Image-LEGUS-001.jpg)
Using the Hubble Telescope
Observatory News
Resources
Press Releases
View All HST Press Releases on Hubblesite.org