hubble telescope: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-mediumFormal, technical, academic, popular science
Quick answer
What does “hubble telescope” mean?
A large optical telescope launched into low Earth orbit in 1990, designed to observe astronomical objects from outside Earth's atmosphere.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large optical telescope launched into low Earth orbit in 1990, designed to observe astronomical objects from outside Earth's atmosphere.
The project and ongoing scientific mission of operating the telescope, including the team of scientists, engineers, and the continuous stream of data and discoveries it produces.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; the term is identical in both varieties. Spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'Hubble's observations' vs. 'Hubble's observations' is the same).
Connotations
Connotes human achievement, scientific discovery, and the advancement of astronomy.
Frequency
Equally low-medium frequency in both UK and US English, appearing primarily in scientific, educational, and news contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hubble telescope” in a Sentence
The Hubble Space Telescope observed [OBJECT].[SCIENTISTS] used the Hubble Space Telescope to [VERB].Images from the Hubble Space Telescope revealed [FINDING].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hubble telescope” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team will Hubble that nebula next month.
American English
- They Hubbled the exoplanet for atmospheric data.
adjective
British English
- The Hubble imagery was stunning.
- That's a Hubble-quality photograph.
American English
- The Hubble data is publicly available.
- We need a Hubble-level resolution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in contexts of aerospace contracting or science funding.
Academic
Frequently used in astronomy, astrophysics, and physics papers.
Everyday
Used in news reports, documentaries, and educational materials about space.
Technical
Used in engineering, mission control, and data analysis contexts, often abbreviated HST.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hubble telescope”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hubble telescope”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hubble telescope”
- Calling it just 'Hubble Telescope' (the 'Space' is part of the proper name).
- Writing it in lowercase ('hubble space telescope').
- Using it as a countable noun ('a Hubble Space Telescope').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as of the latest updates, it remains operational and continues its scientific mission, though some instruments have been retired.
It is named in honour of Edwin Hubble, the American astronomer who provided key evidence for the expansion of the universe.
It orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 547 kilometres (340 miles) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is considered its scientific successor, observing primarily in the infrared spectrum.
A large optical telescope launched into low Earth orbit in 1990, designed to observe astronomical objects from outside Earth's atmosphere.
Hubble telescope is usually formal, technical, academic, popular science in register.
Hubble telescope: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhʌb.əl ˈspeɪs ˌtel.ɪ.skəʊp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhʌb.əl ˈspeɪs ˌtel.ə.skoʊp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hubble's eye view”
- “a Hubble moment (a moment of profound discovery or clarity)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Hubble BUBBLE floating in space, looking at stars.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WINDOW TO THE UNIVERSE; THE EYE IN THE SKY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary advantage of the Hubble Space Telescope over ground-based telescopes?