Science Behind the Discoveries

Indulge your curiosity and dive into the fundamental science that is the foundation of Hubble’s observations. Discover how Hubble uses different wavelengths of light to reveal much more information than the human eye can see, then explore the individual components of that light as you learn about spectroscopy. Finally, learn how these pieces are brought together to create Hubble’s iconic images.

Quick Facts

Hubble can see wavelengths of light ranging from the ultraviolet, through the visible, and into the near-infrared.

HST Electromagnetic Spectrum - horizontal

Hubble took the first ultraviolet image of an exoplanet, observing a still-forming, Jupiter-sized planet coalescing from material around a young star.

Blue background. Center of image is a disk blocking the light of a star. Below and just to the left of the disk, at about seven o'clock, is a bright white point. This is PDS 70b.

Hubble observed a single point in the sky for a million seconds to capture the Hubble Ultra Deep Field image.

a myriad of colorful galaxies, in all shapes, sizes, and forms, dot the image

Revealing More Cosmic Landscapes

Many will recognize this popular image of a portion of the Eagle Nebula, but there's also a lesser-known second image that reveals more about this cosmic landscape. Move the slider from left to right to reveal the image in visible and infrared light.

NASA

In a Different Light

Learn how Hubble uses different wavelengths of light to explore the universe.

Human eyes are sensitive to a small portion of available light called the visible spectrum. Hubble sees that visible light as well, but it also goes beyond visible wavelengths and delves into the infrared and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum. Learn how Hubble uses those different wavelengths of light to explore the universe.

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Hubble observations of Carina Nebula section

Dubbed “Mystic Mountain,” this is a small portion of the Carina Nebula. The image features towers of cool hydrogen gas laced with dust. Brilliant nearby stars are eating away at the three-light-year-tall pillar. The pillar is also pushed apart from within, as infant stars buried inside fire off jets of gas that stream left and right from its peak.

NASA, ESA, and M. Livio and the Hubble 20th Anniversary Team (STScI)