NASA’s Hubble Telescope relying on single-spin ‘pointing mode’ to capture galactic images

June 19 (UPI) – NASA on Tuesday released a Hubble Space Telescope image captured using a new pointing mode that uses just a gyroscope. The telescope resumed operations on June 14 after a gyroscope problem took it offline for several weeks.

The new image is of NGC 1546, a galaxy close to the constellation Dorado.

According to NASA scientists, Hubble is expected to be able to perform most of its scientific observations using the new single gyroscope pointing mode.

“Hubble’s new image of a spectacular galaxy demonstrates the full success of our new, more stable way of pointing to the telescope,” NASA’s Dr. Jennifer Wiseman said in a statement. “We are poised now for many years of discovery ahead and will be looking at everything from our solar system to exoplanets and distant galaxies.”

The image shows “dust lanes” slightly above and illuminated by the galaxy’s core. NASA said the bright blue regions in the image are active star formations shining through the dust.

The image was captured by Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3. Some background galaxies are also seen in the image.

It’s one of the first images taken with the new pointing mode.

NASA said earlier this month that a ongoing gyroscope problem forced the suspension of operations after the telescope automatically entered safe mode.

One of Hubble’s three gyroscopes provided incorrect telemetry readings. In 2009, six new gyroscopes were installed and three of them remain operational.

Hubble was launched in 1990 and recently completed 34 years of observing the universe.