The world’s largest digital camera, the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) Camera, has been installed on the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, marking a major milestone in the observatory’s construction. The camera is the final optical component required for the last phase of testing before the observatory can begin its operations.
The LSST Camera will capture detailed images of the southern hemisphere sky over a decade, producing unprecedented views of the night sky. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a highly sensitive camera and rapid survey speed, making it an engineering marvel.
The Rubin Observatory is funded by the US National Science Foundation and the US Department of Energy’s Office of Science, named after Dr. Vera C. Rubin, who pioneered the discovery of dark matter. The observatory will investigate the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter using cutting-edge technology.
Once complete, the observatory will create an “ultra-wide, ultra-high-definition time-lapse record of the universe,” capturing images of asteroids, comets, pulsating stars, and supernova explosions. Each image will be so massive that displaying it would require 400 ultra-high-definition TV screens.
The camera’s installation was a challenging process requiring intense planning, teamwork, and millimeter-precision execution. The observatory is expected to see first light in 2025, with the LSST Camera ready to capture detailed images of the night sky soon after.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/tech/worlds-largest-digital-camera-to-help-new-vera-rubin-observatory-make-a-time-lapse-record-of-the-universe-photos