Post by glactus on Sept 14, 2009 5:09:33 GMT
Astronomers have declared NASA's Hubble Space Telescope a fully rejuvenated observatory with the release of observations from four of its six operating science instruments.
Stephan's quintet
The telescope was given an extreme makeover and now is significantly more powerful than ever, well-equipped to last into the next decade
The Pinwheel galaxy
Topping the list of new views are colorful, multi-wavelength pictures of far-flung galaxies, a densely packed star cluster, an eerie "pillar of creation and a "butterfly" nebula.
The Butterfly nebula
Hubble's suite of new instruments allows it to study the universe across a wide swath of the light spectrum, from ultraviolet all the way to near-infrared.
The Ring galaxy
In addition, scientists released spectroscopic observations that slice across billions of light-years to probe the cosmic-web structure of the universe and map the distribution of elements that are fundamental to life as we know it.
The new instruments are more sensitive to light and, therefore, will improve Hubble's observing efficiency significantly. It is able to complete observations in a fraction of the time that was needed with prior generations of Hubble instruments. The space observatory today is significantly more powerful than it ever has been.
Hubble is back and better than ever. Let the observing begin!
Credits
Images: These are NASA/Hubble images.
Text: This is part text only. See full text & all scientists involved at space daily.com
www.spacedaily.com/reports/Spectacular_First_Images_From_A_Rejuvenated_Hubble_999.html
Stephan's quintet
The telescope was given an extreme makeover and now is significantly more powerful than ever, well-equipped to last into the next decade
The Pinwheel galaxy
Topping the list of new views are colorful, multi-wavelength pictures of far-flung galaxies, a densely packed star cluster, an eerie "pillar of creation and a "butterfly" nebula.
The Butterfly nebula
Hubble's suite of new instruments allows it to study the universe across a wide swath of the light spectrum, from ultraviolet all the way to near-infrared.
The Ring galaxy
In addition, scientists released spectroscopic observations that slice across billions of light-years to probe the cosmic-web structure of the universe and map the distribution of elements that are fundamental to life as we know it.
The new instruments are more sensitive to light and, therefore, will improve Hubble's observing efficiency significantly. It is able to complete observations in a fraction of the time that was needed with prior generations of Hubble instruments. The space observatory today is significantly more powerful than it ever has been.
Hubble is back and better than ever. Let the observing begin!
Credits
Images: These are NASA/Hubble images.
Text: This is part text only. See full text & all scientists involved at space daily.com
www.spacedaily.com/reports/Spectacular_First_Images_From_A_Rejuvenated_Hubble_999.html