Unit 3: Famous Observatories

Location used for observing terrestrial or celestial events.

Observatories are specialized structures or locations used for observing celestial events. They are equipped with powerful telescopes and other astronomical instruments to study outer space. In this unit, we will explore some of the most famous observatories, both space-based and ground-based, that have significantly contributed to our understanding of the universe.

Hubble Space Telescope

Launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope is one of the most well-known space-based observatories. Named after the astronomer Edwin Hubble, it orbits Earth and captures high-resolution images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial bodies. Hubble's observations have led to breakthroughs in astrophysics, such as determining the rate of expansion of the universe.

Chandra X-ray Observatory

The Chandra X-ray Observatory, launched by NASA in 1999, observes the universe in X-ray wavelengths. X-rays, which are absorbed by Earth's atmosphere, can reveal high-energy regions of the universe, such as supernova remnants, black holes, and neutron stars. Chandra's high-resolution X-ray images have provided invaluable data on these phenomena.

Kepler Space Telescope

The Kepler Space Telescope, operational from 2009 to 2018, was designed to discover Earth-like planets orbiting other stars in the habitable zone (the region around a star where conditions might be right for liquid water). Kepler discovered over 2,600 confirmed exoplanets, making a significant contribution to the field of exoplanetology.

Mauna Kea Observatories

Located in Hawaii, the Mauna Kea Observatories are a collection of independent astronomical research facilities and large telescope observatories. The location is ideal for ground-based observatories because of its dark skies, high elevation, and dry climate. The observatories house the world's largest optical, infrared, and submillimeter telescopes.

Very Large Telescope (VLT)

The Very Large Telescope, located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, is a ground-based observatory operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The VLT consists of four 8.2-meter telescopes, which can be used individually or in combination, making it the most advanced optical instrument in the world. It has made numerous significant scientific discoveries, including the first direct image of an exoplanet and observations of the afterglow of the furthest known Gamma Ray Burst.

These observatories have greatly expanded our knowledge of the universe, providing insights into galaxies, stars, planets, and other celestial phenomena. They continue to be invaluable tools in the ongoing exploration and understanding of our universe.