This is a telescope used to view stars and planets.

 

We use observation equipment to study the Universe. We use many different types of telescopes and some of us look up from our backyard using binoculars. Even back in the 17th century Galileo pointed his spyglass up to the sky and observed that we are not in the center of the Universe. He was able to continue his studies but only in jail. He was not able to tell others of his discovery for the Church taught Earth was in the center of the galaxy and did not want the public to know.

Now we have much better equipment. An example is the Hubble Space Telescope orbiting earth. This telescope is so accurate that it could see a firefly flying around in Tokyo from space. It has photographed many different things in space, one of which is the Eagle Nebula, also known as M16. This is 7,000 light years away in the constellation Serpens.

Other telescopes are located on mountains where dirt and debris can't wreck the picture. These are located all around the earth.

Space stations such as the Russian one, MIR, are used for a variety of reasons, especially to experiment in space. A space station is like a hotel in space.

Another observation tool is a satellite. These are orbiting around earth and do everything from predicting the weather to sending telephone and radio messages all over the Earth.

In the future even better observation equipment is bound to be made. What will it look like? There is no way to tell. As long as technology gets better so will the tools.

 

FUN FACT:

Did you know that immediately after Hubble was put into space it had to be repaired because there was a problem with the lens? A crew of 7 was sent and the fuzziness in the pictures was soon gone.