One of NASA's most powerful space telescopes, the Spitzer Space Telescope, retires today after 16 years.

Spitzer measured infrared light, which allowed it to see through clouds of gas and dust in space.

The telescope generated some of the most awe-inspiring images that we have of nebulae and galaxies, and led to many groundbreaking discoveries.

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One of NASA's most powerful space telescopes is retiring today after an illustrious 16-year career.

The Spitzer Space Telescope launched nearly 16 years ago with a profound mission: "to provide a unique, infrared view of the universe and allow us to peer into regions of space that are hidden from optical telescopes."

The telescope was designed to detect infrared light, which enabled it to see through large, dense clouds of gas and dust. Inside those clouds, new stars and planetary systems form, galaxies and stars collide, and black holes emerge.

Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory recorded and interpreted the data Spitzer sent back, leading to discoveries of habitable exoplanets and additional rings around Saturn.

Reflecting on the impact of the project, Suzy Dodd, a former Spitzer project manager, told reporters on January 22: "We're lifting the cosmic veil of the universe. There's a cornucopia of what we can observe."

As the telescope floated in space, its systems aged and battery life has diminished. That made it hard for engineers and astronomers to communicate with Spitzer, which is why NASA is switching off the telescope.

Take a look at the remarkable images Spitzer captured over the years as it gave us a better understanding of the universe.