A Cosmic Revolution on the Horizon

In groundbreaking news from Washington DC, a team of global astronomers, led by researchers from Queen's University Belfast and the University of Washington, is poised to change our understanding of the solar system. Brace yourselves—millions of new solar system objects are about to be unveiled, thanks to a cutting-edge facility set to launch later this year.

Introducing the Vera C. Rubin Observatory

Meet the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, a game-changer in astronomy, located on the stunning Cerro Pachon ridge in northern Chile. Equipped with an extraordinary 8.4-meter Simonyi Survey Telescope, this observatory boasts a remarkable three-mirror design. It will survey the entire visible sky every few nights, unlocking secrets of the universe.

A Cosmic Camera Like No Other

At the heart of this facility lies the world's largest digital camera—the 3.2 gigapixel Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) Camera. This powerhouse covers an expansive 9.6 square-degree field of view, roughly 45 times the size of the full moon, using six different optical filters. Get ready for an avalanche of data!

The Stunning Data Explosion

Every night, the Rubin Observatory will generate a staggering 20 terabytes of data, painting an unprecedented time-lapse "movie" of the cosmos over the next decade. This colossal dataset promises to revolutionize our mapping of the solar system.

Sorcha: The Software Pioneering Discoveries

Leading this initiative is Queen's University's Meg Schwamb, who has unveiled Sorcha—a groundbreaking, open-source software designed to predict the discoveries the Rubin Observatory will make. Sorcha is the first end-to-end simulator that utilizes the planned observing schedule of the observatory, offering a glimpse into what the solar system might reveal.

Blast from the Past: Fossils of the Solar System

Our solar system contains not just the eight major planets, but also countless small bodies—many still unchanged since the dawn of time over 4.5 billion years ago. These celestial fossils are crucial for understanding the early formation and evolution of our planetary family.

Discoveries with a Purpose

By examining the orbits, sizes, and compositions of these small bodies, astronomers can unravel the mysteries of how planets were formed and the potential risks posed by objects that roam dangerously close to Earth. With tens of millions of these objects waiting to be studied, the insights are bound to be profound.

An International Endeavor

The team behind this revolutionary project extends beyond Queen's University and the University of Washington, comprising researchers from esteemed institutions like the Centre for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Together, they're on the brink of a cosmic breakthrough.

Colorful Insights Await!

Unlike previous solar system surveys that relied on a single filter, the Rubin Observatory will capture multiple observations of these new small bodies using different filters, revealing their surface colors and characteristics. A vibrant cosmic gallery is on the way!

Stay Tuned for Cosmic Revelations!

As anticipation builds for the unveiling of millions of new solar system objects, the future of astronomy looks brighter than ever. The discoveries made at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory may not just illuminate our understanding of space but could also reshape our knowledge of life's origins on Earth.