The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is set to share its groundbreaking images with the world on June 23, marking a significant milestone in observational astronomy. The facility, supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, boasts the largest digital camera in the world, capable of capturing ultra-high definition images every 40 seconds.
The camera features two lenses, including one that is 1.5 meters across and another that seals the focal plane with a vacuum-sealed environment. Each pixel on the sensors is 10 microns across, making it possible to resolve objects as small as a golf ball from 25 kilometers away. The instrument will capture 3200-megapixel images of the sky seven times wider than the full Moon.
The Rubin Observatory aims to revolutionize space science by providing detailed maps of the night sky and capturing phenomenon movies of the universe. It is expected to increase the number of known small objects in our Solar System by a factor of at least 10, possibly up to 100. The telescope will cover the whole southern sky every three or four nights, adding more data to the efforts to map the Milky Way.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Rubin Observatory is hosting live events and conferences worldwide. Attendees can watch the reveal of the first images live on June 23 at 11 am ET (3 pm UTC) through various platforms, including the Rubin Observatory YouTube channel and website.
Source: https://www.iflscience.com/worlds-largest-digital-camera-to-reveal-revolutionary-first-images-on-monday-and-you-can-watch-live-79700