On January 26, 1978, the International Ultraviolet Explorer launched into orbit on an objective to study ultraviolet light discharged by stars and other brilliant items in the universe. Astronomers required a space-based observatory to look at it because a lot of that UV light is soaked up by Earths ozone layer. An artists illustration of the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite, which introduced in 1978 to study ultraviolet light from distant stars. (Image credit: European Space Agency) The IUE objective enabled astronomers to study hot, intense stars, active galactic nuclei, supernova surges and more. The objective was a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency, and it lasted more than 18 years prior to budget cuts caused its decommissioning. The derelict satellite is still in orbit around the Earth today. Capture up on our entire “On This Day In Space” series on YouTube with this playlist. On This Day in Space Archive! Still inadequate space? Do not forget to take a look at our Space Image of the Day, and on the weekends our Best Space Photos and Top Space News Stories of the week. Email Hanneke Weitering at [email protected] or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom and on Facebook..
