Modern Space Exploration: The Hubble Telescope

This is our last week in Unit 6: Space Exploration.  We will be learning about modern (post-shuttle) efforts to explore space.  Our objective of the week is students will be able to describe current and future efforts to explore space, both within the solar system and in the universe beyond.

Today we are going to learn more about the Hubble telescope.  As we have learned, the Hubble owes its existence to the space shuttle program.  Only the shuttle could have launched, assembled, and repaired this remarkable instrument.  But why is the Hubble so special?  What has it taught us?  Let's take a look.

First, let's examine HubbleSite's Hubble Essentials page to learn the basics. How does the Hubble work?  Why did it need to be repaired?  Who uses it?  http://hubblesite.org/the_telescope/hubble_essentials/

Now, let's learn more about the instruments aboard Hubble.  How are they different from one another?  What do they allow us to see? http://www.spacetelescope.org/about/general/instruments/

Finally, let's learn about some of the achievements of the Hubble.  What have we learned using the Hubble?

The famous XDF image: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/49168911/ns/technology_and_science-space/t/hubble-telescope-reveals-farthest-ever-view-universe/#.UzA6fqhdVyw

Finding exoplanets, which is important for our next unit on extraterrestrial life (you will want some headphones for this).  What are some of the different techniques for finding planets orbiting far-away stars?: http://hubblesite.org/hubble_discoveries/discovering_planets_beyond/ 

The Hubble has advanced our understanding of the origins of the universe, of how galaxies develop and change, and of how stars are born.  Learn about one more discovery of your choice here: http://hubblesite.org/hubble_discoveries/breakthroughs/

We will stop periodically to discuss your findings.  In the last 10 minutes of class, you will be asked to complete this mastery check.