Space Observatories
NASA currently maintains a group of powerful powerful space-based telescopes called Space Observatories. They are collectively known as NASA's Great Observatories. Because they are positioned outside of Earth's atmosphere, they are not subject to environmental interference. Each of the observatories uses technologically-advanced equipment capture images within a different range of both visible and invisible spectra of light.
Fast Facts
- Total number of observatories: 4
- Observatories currently active: 3
- Wavelengths of light captured: Gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infrared
- Each observatory focuses on a small set of wavelengths
- Overlapping missions allow a single subject to be studied in multiple wavelengths
- Compton Gamma Ray Observatory decommissioned in 20001
Roll Call!
- Hubble Space Telescope: Launched on April 24, 1990
- Compton Gamma Ray Observatory: Launched on April 5, 1991
- Chandra X-ray Observatory: Launched on July 23, 1999
- Spitzer Space Telescope: Launched on Auguest 23, 20031
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