The HST is a reflecting telescope, meaning that it uses mirrors to focus light instead of lenses. The HST's primary mirror is 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in diameter and made of highly polished beryllium. The secondary mirror is 0.6 meters (1.9 feet) in diameter and helps to focus the light collected by the primary mirror onto the science instruments.

Step 2: The photons are converted into electronic signals.

The HST's science instruments use detectors to convert the photons into electronic signals. The detectors are made of either charge-coupled devices (CCDs) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductors (CMOS). CCDs are arrays of small, light-sensitive capacitors that store the electric charge generated by the photons. CMOS detectors are similar to CCDs, but they use transistors instead of capacitors to store the electric charge.

Step 3: The electronic signals are processed and transmitted to Earth.

The electronic signals from the detectors are processed by the HST's onboard computer. The computer removes noise from the signals and corrects for any distortions caused by the telescope's optics. The processed signals are then transmitted to Earth via the Deep Space Network, a network of radio telescopes located around the world.

Step 4: The data are received and processed at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI).

The data from the HST are received at the STScI, which is located in Baltimore, Maryland. The STScI processes the data and creates images and other scientific products. The STScI also archives the data so that it can be used by astronomers for future research.

Step 5: The Hubble images are released to the public.

The Hubble images are released to the public through the Hubble Space Telescope website and other media outlets. The images are often used in news stories, documentaries, and educational materials. They have also inspired many works of art and music.