How do space telescopes handle light pollution from Earth?

Space telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope are essential tools for astronomers to observe the universe without interference from Earth's light pollution. These telescopes are positioned in space above Earth's atmosphere, where they can avoid the glare and distortion caused by city lights, allowing for clear and detailed observations of celestial objects.

Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope orbits the Earth at an altitude of about 547 kilometers, above the majority of Earth's atmosphere where most of the light pollution occurs. Its advanced technology includes a series of mirrors and instruments that are specifically designed to capture and analyze light from distant celestial objects, producing stunning images of galaxies, stars, and other cosmic phenomena.

James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope, set to be launched in the near future, will be positioned even further from Earth at a distance of about 1.5 million kilometers. This distance will allow the telescope to operate at extremely cold temperatures, enhancing its ability to detect faint infrared signals from the most distant objects in the universe.

Both of these space telescopes are equipped with sophisticated technology and advanced features that enable them to capture clear images of celestial objects, free from the interference of Earth's light pollution, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and furthering our understanding of the universe.