An Overview of Hubble's Newest Addition: WFC3

The newest camera on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), opens a new window into the Universe. WFC3's two channels (UVIS and IR) provide HST with improved imaging capabilities in the ultraviolet and near-infrared wavelengths and allow for clearer and more detailed images of the universe compared to previous generations of instruments. A review of instrument specifications, features, and operation of the IR and UVIS channels work is provided. Advancements of WFC3 are described, including enhancements of CCD and IR detector technology. WFC3 has many benefits and few drawbacks compared to past and future instruments. With improved spatial resolution, a large field of view, and reduced noise, WFC3 is capable of reaching many scientific goals for the first time. New science goals include studies of galactic evolution and improved resolution of high redshift galaxies. I will illustrate the capabilities of WFC3 with specific examples relating to the study of galaxy formation.