The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is set to begin a 10-year mission to help unravel the mystery of dark matter, continuing the legacy of its namesake, pioneering astronomer Vera Rubin. Dark matter accounts for 85% of the universe’s mass, yet researchers have struggled to find it.
According to Dr. Samantha M. Thompson, a historian of science and technology, Rubin’s contributions paved the way for our understanding of the other 15% of the universe. The observatory will document everything visible in the southern sky every three nights, with its 3,200 megapixel camera capturing an area roughly 45 times the size of the full Moon.
The camera produces about five petabytes of data per year, which will help astronomers investigate dark matter by observing galaxies and their structure. Galaxies are not randomly distributed; gravity and dark matter guide them into a web-like pattern. The Rubin Observatory will expand upon previous galactic surveys, capturing billions more galaxies and increasing precision on the data.
Furthermore, dark matter distorts galaxy appearance through gravitational lensing. Light travels in straight lines until it’s close to something massive, where gravity bends its path. This effect provides clues that could help locate dark matter. The observatory will contribute to advancing dark matter research, building upon Rubin’s work and shedding more light on the mysterious material.
Vera Rubin’s legacy extends beyond her own contributions; she remains an inspiration for researchers today. A congressional bill renamed the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope to the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in 2019, recognizing her impact. The U.S. Mint has also released a quarter featuring Rubin.
Throughout its mission, the Rubin Observatory will provide opportunities for scientists to add to our understanding of dark matter. As Dr. Thompson notes, further research is needed to unlock the secrets of this enigmatic material.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/the-vera-c-rubin-observatory-will-help-astronomers-investigate-dark-matter-continuing-the-legacy-of-its-pioneering-namesake