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EnglishCan I use images and videos from ESA/Hubble?
Updated
Yes, in most cases you can use ESA/Hubble images and videos for non-commercial purposes such as education, news reporting, and personal projects. The site provides a dedicated "Usage of Images and Videos" page under both its Images and Videos sections that states the terms. However, you should check that page before each use, because some material may carry third-party copyright restrictions, and credit or permission requirements can vary by item.
What the site says about usage
ESA/Hubble maintains a formal usage policy rather than leaving reuse ambiguous. The relevant entry points are:
- Images → Usage of Images and Videos
- Videos → Usage of Images and Videos
These pages are the authoritative source for what is permitted. The site's own description frames Hubble as a space-based observatory run as an ESA page, and its content is produced for public communication of astronomy. That context explains why educational and news use is generally anticipated, while commercial exploitation is not automatically granted.
Typical conditions you should expect
Based on how ESA/Hubble structures its content and the standard terms for this kind of scientific outreach material, the following conditions usually apply:
| Condition | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Non-commercial use | Education, news, personal projects, and public outreach are the intended uses. |
| Credit/attribution | You normally need to credit ESA/Hubble (and any named contributors) as the source. |
| No implied endorsement | You cannot suggest that ESA, Hubble, or ESA/Hubble endorses your product or view. |
| Third-party rights | Some images, videos, or components may belong to other parties and fall outside the general permission. |
| Item-by-item check | The general policy does not override specific restrictions noted on individual items. |
How to verify before you publish
- Open the item's page. Locate the specific image or video you want to use.
- Read its usage information. Follow the "Usage of Images and Videos" link from the Images or Videos section.
- Check for special notes. Look for any credit line, copyright holder, or restriction that differs from the general policy.
- Apply the stated credit. Use the exact credit format the page provides.
- If in doubt, ask. The site lists a Contact page for queries that the usage pages do not resolve.
Common pitfalls
- Assuming all Hubble material is identical. The site hosts many categories — nebulae, galaxies, exoplanets, spacecraft, illustrations, fulldome clips, and more — and rights can differ between them.
- Treating a general permission as blanket clearance. A policy that allows educational use does not automatically cover commercial products, merchandise, or advertising.
- Dropping the credit line. Attribution is typically a condition, not a courtesy.
- Overlooking third-party elements. A video may combine ESA/Hubble footage with music, animations, or contributions owned by others.
What this means for you
If your intended use is education, news, or personal, ESA/Hubble material is generally usable provided you credit the source and respect any item-specific notes. If your intended use is commercial, do not assume permission — verify against the usage page and contact ESA/Hubble if the terms are unclear. The decisive step in every case is the same: read the "Usage of Images and Videos" page for the specific item before you publish.