Can the Hubble Space Telescope Really See 14.5 Billion Years into the Past?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope in observing light from the early universe, specifically the claim that it can see up to 14.5 billion years into the past. Participants explore the implications of light travel time and its relation to observing distant astronomical objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that looking at distant objects means looking into the past due to the time it takes for light to reach us, using the example of the Sun being seen as it was 8 minutes ago.
  • Another participant expresses a whimsical idea about potentially seeing light from the time of dinosaurs if it were to bounce back to us.
  • A participant mentions that observing ancient objects like quasars can provide insights into the evolution of the universe.
  • Several participants share resources for further reading on astrophysics and cosmology, suggesting that the Physics Forums community is a good place for learning more about the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the concept that observing distant light allows us to see into the past, but there is no consensus on the specifics of how far back Hubble can see or the implications of such observations.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about light travel time and the nature of astronomical observations are present, but these are not fully explored or resolved in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in astrophysics, cosmology, or the capabilities of telescopes in observing the universe may find this discussion informative.

staticedge
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I saw once a while back on the History Channel that Hubble looks something like 14.5 billion years into the past? I know very very very little about physics but this has me very interested. Could some one clarify this a bit? I assume that the reason Hubble looks into the past is because the light has not reached us yet? I don't know, help please! =)

-Matt
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Since it takes time for light to travel any given distance, anytime one looks at anything one is looking into the past. The sun is about 8 light minutes away, so you are seeing it as it looked about 8 minutes ago.
 
Maybe someday we can pick up light that's traveled millions of years and has conveniently bounced back to us... there for we can look at our own past ! :smile:

maybe even see the dino's :wink:
 
I figured that was what was going on. You guys know where I can find out more about this? I have some more questions, maybe I'll have to time post them later but I need to run right now. Thanks again!

-Matt
 
Gazing deep enough into outer space has the oldest objects in the universe (quazars, etc.) that may give scientists an insight on how the early universe evolved into its current state. Its pretty exciting stuff, then again, I like the mysterious and unknown.
 
staticedge said:
I figured that was what was going on. You guys know where I can find out more about this? I have some more questions, maybe I'll have to time post them later but I need to run right now. Thanks again!
Well, not to toot our own collective horn, but pf is a great place to find out more about this topic!

You may also want to start with some books on astrophysics or cosmology. Your local college bookstore should have many.

You can also learn quite a bit by reading Ned Wright's Cosmology Tutorial, available here:

http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~wright/cosmolog.htm

(It's unfortunate how few introductory expositions of cosmology exist... maybe I should begin writing The Cartoon Guide to Cosmology?)

- Warren
 
Apod

staticedge said:
I figured that was what was going on. You guys know where I can find out more about this? I have some more questions, maybe I'll have to time post them later but I need to run right now. Thanks again!
Matt, if your learning style is lots of little bite-sized chunks, which you can read at any time, and with tons and tons of other resources that you can follow just by clicking on a link, then why not try
Astronomy Picture of the Day?
 

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