NASA · Space

Hubble Completes 200,000 Orbits, Monitors for Lensed Supernova

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has completed its 200,000th orbit around Earth, continuing its extensive scientific mission. The observatory has traveled over 5 billion miles in its 36-year operational history.

On the day of its 200,000th orbit, Hubble made an observation related to measuring the universe's expansion rate. This involved monitoring the reappearance of supernova Athena, which was discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope in 2025.

The supernova's reappearance is observed using the gravitational lensing effect of the massive galaxy cluster MACS J0417. This cluster bends and magnifies light from objects behind it, causing the supernova's light to travel multiple paths to Earth.

By observing the timing of Athena's multiple appearances, astronomers can map the mass of MACS J0417 and refine measurements of the universe's expansion rate. The supernova is predicted to reappear between now and early March 2027.

Despite its age, Hubble remains highly productive, with demand for its observing time being about seven times greater than what is available annually. Its capabilities in ultraviolet and visible light complement those of the James Webb and Roman Space Telescopes.

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