Eye in the sky

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST), a joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency, was launched in 1990. Originally scheduled to complete its mission in 2005, NASA extended the project to 2010.

Now, as Dennis Overbye writes in the New York Times, a number of scientists are pleading for Hubble to continue at least until 2013 and possibly beyond.

I wish them luck. Hubble has revolutionized modern astronomy and spurred important research in a number of key areas. Observing from high above the obscuring effects of Earth’s atmosphere, Hubble has been able to provide images of unmatched clarity of a range of celestial objects.

Brown dwarfs, black holes and lensing clusters, the HST has seen them all.

If you’re interested in learning more then hubblesite is probably the best place to go, particularly for their showcase which features some of the awe-inspiring images that Hubble has provided us with over the last thirteen years.

You can also get wallpaper there, as well as facts and figures, HST news and activities for the kids. Well worth a visit.