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Spitzer Space Telescope was a space observatory launched by NASA in 2003. It was the fourth and final of NASA's Great Observatories, a program that also included the Hubble Space Telescope, the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Spitzer operated in the infrared spectrum, observing celestial objects that are too cool or too dusty to be seen in visible light. Its instruments allowed it to detect light with wavelengths ranging from 3 to 180 micrometers.

The telescope's mission was to study a wide range of astronomical phenomena. This included observing the birth of stars and planets within dusty nebulae, investigating the atmospheres of exoplanets, and probing the very early universe by detecting light from the first galaxies. Spitzer's infrared capabilities were crucial for penetrating the dust clouds that obscure many astronomical objects.

Spitzer was launched into an Earth-trailing orbit, which allowed it to cool down significantly and minimize interference from Earth's own heat. This cooling was essential for its sensitive infrared detectors. The observatory made numerous significant discoveries during its operational life, including evidence of water on exoplanets and detailed insights into star formation.

After more than 16 years of operation, Spitzer ceased its scientific observations in January 2020. However, the data it collected continues to be analyzed by astronomers worldwide, contributing to our understanding of the universe. The legacy of Spitzer lies in its ability to reveal the hidden, cooler, and dustier aspects of the cosmos.