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Vera C. Rubin Observatory to Release Its First Images on June 23

The LSST Camera’s 3,200-megapixel debut will be livestreamed on YouTube to mark the start of a decade-long southern sky survey.

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A Game-Changing Telescope Is About to Drop First Pics. Here's How to Watch.

Overview

  • On June 23 at 15:00 UTC (11:00 EDT), the US National Science Foundation and Department of Energy will livestream the first images release on YouTube, accompanied by global watch parties.
  • The LSST Camera weighs approximately 3,000 kilograms and boasts a 3,200-megapixel sensor, making it the largest digital imaging device ever constructed for astronomy.
  • A six-position filter wheel enables the camera to switch among 75-centimeter-wide color filters in under two minutes to capture ultraviolet, optical, and infrared light.
  • To ensure clear, high-quality shots, the camera’s sensors are chilled to minus 100 °C to minimize defective pixels.
  • During its decade-long Legacy Survey of Space and Time, the observatory is expected to generate about 20 terabytes of data daily and amass roughly 60 petabytes of raw image files.