2016-07-27

Are the stars just there, or did someone put them there? Since antiquity, men and women have trained their eyes on the heavens wondering what is above and what it might mean. In recent years, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has opened a new era in astronomy by launching two magnificent instruments: the Hubble Space Telescope, which sees the universe in visible light wavelengths, and the Chandra Observatory, which sees the X-ray spectrum. Orbiting above earth's atmosphere, these telescopes are providing a wealth of new scientific information and breathtaking, unprecedented views of our galaxy and of deep space.

In the Hubble Highlights section, Beliefnet features the best images from these telescopes (occasionally we'll sneak in pictures from NASA space probes, too) along with commentary on what they mean to scientific and spiritual debates about the cosmos. Many Hubble and Chandra images bear on timeless questions such as how old the universe is, how long the universe will last, and what the current structure of the heavens tells us about ultimate questions of origin and creation. Explore the Hubble Highlights below and check our Science and Religion page often for more.

You Were Once a Supernova

'In the Beginnning' Is Now

Galaxies Going Their Separate Ways

Bethlehem's Star of Wonder

Why So Many Galaxies?

And There Was Light

Something Bright All Right in Mensa

Mega-Blast From the Past

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