What is the role of the Hubble Space Telescope in studying the solar system?

The Hubble Space Telescope has been a key tool in studying the solar system since its launch in 1990. While it was not designed to study the solar system specifically, its ability to capture high-resolution images and make precise measurements of distant objects has allowed astronomers to observe and study planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

Hubble has made many important contributions to our understanding of the solar system. For example, it has imaged the outer planets and their moons, allowing scientists to study their atmospheres, weather patterns, and geological features in unprecedented detail. Hubble has also been used to observe comets and asteroids, including those that pose a potential threat to Earth.

In addition to directly studying the objects in the solar system, Hubble has also been used to indirectly study the properties of the solar system as a whole. For example, Hubble has been used to measure the size, age, and composition of the universe, which provides important context for understanding the formation and evolution of our own solar system.