In celebration of it's 20th anniversary, let's take a step back from the political precipice and get a little perspective.
Twenty years ago this week, the Hubble space telescope was sent into orbit. At first, it was a laughingstock, due to it's problem lenses. NASA sent up some astronauts to fix the problem, and voila - twenty years of utterly stunning images of the universe. Hubble fulfilled it's mission and then some. It's creators thought it might send back viable pictures for ten, maybe fifteen years, but with regular maintainance, here we are, two decades in, with potentially another decade to go.
What started out as an embarassment for NASA has become one of it's most successful - and most beloved - programs of all.
Hubble has opened our eyes and sparked our imaginations. It has given us images that have humbled us and uplifted our spirits. For me, it puts the trials and tribulations of our little planet into cosmic perspective.
Thank you, NASA, for giving us Hubble. Thank you, Hubble, for giving us such indescribable beauty.
Happy Birthday, Hubble!
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