The future of the Hubble Space Telescope is uncertain. While it is still operating, repair missions to keep it running are dependent on shuttle flights. Do you think the cost and risk of servicing HST is worth the benefits to the astronomical community?
2007-10-10 14:52:38 · 4 answers · asked by higherlovetx 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Please give your opinions on why you support HST's continual exploration (or why you don't).
2007-10-10 15:01:28 · update #1
Absolutely! There is no telescope in the past or present that has contributed more to science, and there is so much now that can only be done with Hubble.
A lot of today's astronomy calls for high resolution and stable instrumentation, and Hubble is unmatched in its ability to deliver on these. Hubble is not subject to sky brightness from the atmosphere as ground based telescopes are, so it can reach much deeper. (The advantage here is really dramatic, and it's what makes images like the ultra deep field possible.) Hubble also covers a wide spectral range from the IR to the UV.
These advantages make Hubble unique. I don't think there's any way at all these research dollars could be more effectively spent. The risk is reasonably small, and I think we've seen that NASA, the astronauts, and the country as a whole are willing to take those risks.
2007-10-10 15:25:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I feel the effort to keep the telescope alive is worthwhile for two reasons. One is there are no other telescopes that operate in the visible region of the spectrum planned, and thus when it does die there will be no replacement. The other is the incredible amount of science accomplished with the Hubble, and it's exceeding the wildest expectations of it's builders and designers. Hubble has also become the people's space telescope, because of the pictures released to the public. Most people know about the Hubble, but don't about most of the other space telescopes operating right now. I think it's worth the money and effort to give it a final servicing mission so when the James Webb Space Telescope is launched and operational, the HST can compliment it. JWST is an infrared telescope only, whereas Hubble can see the UV and high frequency IR band too. There's a lot of science that the HST is uniquely suited to doing, and it would be worthwhile to get as much science out of it until reparing it is no longer possible. When Hubble falls from orbit and breaks apart, it will be a great loss to everyone, not just astronomers.
2007-10-10 22:37:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi campbel...
I'm not so sure. With adaptive optics and multi-telescope arrays, is the HST still that important? Maybe so, but I'm not as convinced as some. The Shuttle program is important for other reasons (ISS for instance).
2007-10-10 22:21:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is worth it. Any astronomer would agree.
2007-10-10 21:56:45 · answer #4 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋