The Hubble Space Telescope is one of the largest space telescopes ever launched by NASA. It’s remained in operation since 1990 and is maintained in space by astronauts. The Hubble Telescope Replica in Marshfield, Missouri isn’t quite as big, at 1/4 the size of the real thing, but it is much more accessible attraction for more of mankind.
Edwin Powell Hubble (1889-1953) was an accomplished American astronomer. He discovered the expansion of the universe, showing that other galaxies besides the Milky Way exist and that they span all the way to the limits of the universe. His scientific work eventually led to the posthumous launch of the Hubble Space Telescope on April 24, 1990.
Hubble was born on November 20, 1889 in Marshfield, Missouri and is the town’s most famous former resident. To honor his legacy this 1,200 pound, scale model of the Hubble Space Telescope was erected in front of the local courthouse and dedicated in his memory on July 4, 1994.
Photos of the Hubble Telescope Replica in Marshfield, Missouri
I’ve visited this Missouri roadside attraction twice! The first time was on a Missouri road trip in June 2009 where I also saw other nearby attractions (like the World’s Largest Fork and the UMR Stonehenge Replica) and went to a hot dog eating contest in Overland Park, Kansas.
The second time was in April 2024 on my way to a fudge eating contest in Uranus Missouri. I guess I only see this giant Hubble telescope on my way to eating contests!
Informative Plaques & Signs
EDWIN POWELL HUBBLE
1889 – 1953
Discoverer of external galaxies and the expanding universe. The Hubble Space Telescope was named in his honor. Launched from Cape Canaveral, FL – April 24, 1990.
Dedicated to the City of Marshfield by the HUBBELL FAMILY HISTORICAL SOCIETY at its 9th Biennial Reunion.
Erected June 12, 1999
Born November 20, 1889
Died September 28, 1953
Edwin Hubble was the 20th Century’s outstanding astronomer. In observations made in the 1920s and 1930s he discovered the expansion of the universe. Hubble opened the world of galaxies for science when he showed that spiral nebulae beyond the Milky Way are galaxies extending to the limit of the universe and participating in a general expansion of the cosmos. The exploding universe of Hubble, now termed the Big Bang, determined the origin of the elements, of galaxies and of the stars.
Hubble spent some of his boyhood in Marshfield and is related to some residents of the area. His exploits in the world of science led to the launching of the Hubble Space Telescope in 1990 which is probing to the very edge of space.
– Scale model created by Wm. Buesgen for the Chamber of Commerce July 4th 1994
Presented By Webster County Historical Society
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Roadside Attractions Near the Hubble Telescope Replica
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