The Hubble Telescope: three decades of discovery

Launched 32 years ago, the Hubble Space Telescope, due in part to its unique position above the Earth's atmosphere, has been one of the world's premier observatories to this day. It has had an unprecedented scientific and cultural impact: discoveries extending from the outer Solar System to the edge of the observable Universe have revolutionised our understanding of astronomy and cosmology while its spectacular images have inspired the wider public's wonder.

Dr Stephen Wilkins, Reader in Astronomy at Sussex University, has worked extensively with Hubble observations; he will look back over those 32 years and talk about the many achievements made possible by Hubble and look forward to the new and exciting observations likely to be made by the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope.