Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Celebrating 27 years in space
Two spiral galaxies: NGC 4302 and 4298 (image credit: NASA).
On the 24th of April, 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) was launched into Earth orbit. After a bit of a rocky start, HST soon became one of the most important telescopes humans have ever built. Over its 27 years in orbit it has helped shape and guide our understanding of the Universe; from measuring the furthest galaxies to imaging smashed asteroids in the belt between Jupiter and Mars, it has contributed to many of the current astronomical fields.
For its birthday each year, HST releases a new 'spectacular image' to celebrate. This year, the image is of the two spiral galaxies NGC 4302 and 4298 (the 4302nd and 4298th galaxies in the New General Catalogue). Looking forward to many more insights from HST!
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Celebrating 27 years in space
Jesse Rogerson, PhD
Jesse is a passionate scientist, educator, and science communicator. As an assistant professor at York University in the Department of Science, Technology, and Society, he teaches three classes: History of Astronomy, Introduction to Astronomy, and Exploring the Solar System. He frequently collaborates with the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and lends his expert voice to the Ingenium Channel. Jesse is an astrophysicist, and his research explores how super massive black holes evolve through time. Whether in the classroom, through social media, or on TV, he encourages conversations about how science and society intersect, and why science is relevant in our daily lives.
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