35 Years of Hubble Images

Count down to Hubble’s 35^th birthday with an iconic image from each year of the mission, leading up to a series of new anniversary images. Follow along on social media for daily updates!

35 Years of Hubble Images

Hubble after deployment with Earth Below

In this April 25, 1990 photograph taken with a handheld Hasselblad camera, most of the school-bus-sized Hubble Space Telescope is visible suspended in space by Discovery’s Remote Manipulator System following the deployment of part of its solar panels and antennae. This was among the first photos NASA released on April 30 from the five-day STS-31 mission.

STS-31 Liftoff with Hubble in the Cargo Bay

The Hubble Space Telescope launched on April 24, 1990, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-31), and deployed into Earth orbit the following day, marking the beginning of its 35 years of exploring the cosmos.

Year 1 – Major Storm on Saturn

These Hubble images show Saturn’s white spot, a great storm in the planet’s equatorial region, discovered by amateur astronomers in September, 1990. Such storms are rare: the last one previous to this storm in the equatorial region occurred in 1933. The storm extends completely around the planet, in some places appearing as great masses of clouds and in others as well organized turbulence. Knowing that this storm is probably a once in a lifetime event, scientists and engineers of a special White Spot Observing Team, the Wide Field/Planetary Camera Team, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and the Goddard Space Flight center reprogrammed Hubble’s observing schedule and were able to get several days of Saturn observations in mid-November 1990, shortly before Saturn moved too near in the sky to the Sun for safe observations by Hubble.

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The History of Hubble

Since the time of Galileo and his telescope, astronomers have struggled with a constant obstacle to their view of the cosmos: Earth’s atmosphere. But that changed with Hubble.

Hubble Online Activities - History Timeline

Hubble Timelines

Hubble History Timeline, Scientific Discoveries Timeline, and Servicing Missions Timeline.

The Hubble Telescope in space gripped by the space shuttle's robotic arm.

Impacts and Benefits

Hubble became a household word by expanding our knowledge of the cosmos and for its spectacular images. But the telescope also impacted our technologies, industries, and culture.

Hubble Oral Histories

These oral history interviews document the experiences of individuals who were involved in every aspect of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope mission.

Hubble vs Webb

On The Shoulders of a Giant

Learn how Hubble and Webb work together to explore the cosmos. Their observations complement each other, providing us with a broad view of the universe.

Hubble’s Design

Hubble is the first space-based observatory specifically designed for servicing while in orbit. Learn about its optics, instruments, pointing control, and other systems.

woman and a man sitting at a desk with multiple computer monitors, the woman is pointing at a monitor

Hubble Mission Operations

The Space Telescope Operations Control Center at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland is the engine that keeps Hubble operating 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Astronaut on an EVA in a white space suit waving while working on the Hubble space telescope.

Missions to Hubble

Five servicing missions extended Hubble’s life and increased its capabilities. Hubble’s serviceable design and modular components enabled upgrades that took advantage of advancements in technology.

"Light Echo" Illuminates Dust Around Supergiant Star V838 Monocerotis (V838 Mon)

Hubble Science Highlights

Hubble has affected every area of astronomy. Its most notable scientific discoveries reflect the broad range of research and the breakthroughs it has achieved.

Keep Exploring

35 Years of Hubble Images

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35 Years of Hubble Images

Hubble after deployment with Earth Below

STS-31 Liftoff with Hubble in the Cargo Bay