A New Era in Astronomy Begins!

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile has officially debuted the first stunning images captured by the LSST camera, the largest of its kind in the world! This monumental unveiling took place during a worldwide event on June 23, hosted at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.

Meet the Mega Camera!

Imagine a camera the size of a car with a jaw-dropping 3200-megapixel resolution! The Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) camera can photograph a staggering 45 times the area of the full moon in a single click, using six color filters. With just three nights of observation, it managed to capture the entirety of the southern night sky.

A Journey 25 Years in the Making

After a year-long journey from the U.S. to Chile, these first mega images represent the fruit of 25 years of collaborative research and development by scientists around the globe, including crucial contributions from CNRS teams.

Countdown to an Astronomical Mission

These phenomenal images indicate that the telescope is set to embark on its ambitious mission: to scan the entire southern hemisphere sky every three nights for the next decade! This incredible project will generate a high-definition, four-dimensional film of the Universe's evolution, unveiling the faintest and most distant cosmic objects.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe

With the ability to detail changes in the cosmos—from nearby asteroids to far-off supernovae—this survey aims to revolutionize our understanding of dark matter, dark energy, and the complexities of our own solar system.

CNRS: A Vital Player in the Cosmic Quest

Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the NSF, the LSST camera was built by the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. CNRS scientists played a vital role in creating the camera's focal plane and the advanced robotic system that seamlessly switches between color filters.

Massive Data Collection and Processing Ahead!

Every night, the observatory will generate an astonishing 20 terabytes of data! The France Data Facility (IN2P3) in Lyon will manage and process 40% of this raw data, ensuring it is available to researchers worldwide for future groundbreaking discoveries.

Ground-Based Observations: Why They Matter

Despite the capabilities of 25 space telescopes, ground-based observatories are crucial for capturing the full spectrum of the Universe. They provide higher-resolution images and can adapt and upgrade equipment easily, making them invaluable in the quest for cosmic knowledge.

With the LSST camera, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory is set to become a leading player in the exploration of the cosmos, joining the ranks of groundbreaking structures dedicated to illuminating the mysteries of our universe.