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First 3,200-megapixel images from the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory LSST Camera

Taking the first 3,200-megapixel images was an important first test for the focal plane of the SLAC-built NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory LSST Camera. To do so without a fully assembled camera, the SLAC team used a 150-micron pinhole to project images onto the focal plane. Left: Schematic of a pinhole projector that projects images of a Romanesco’s detailed texture onto the focal plane. Right: SLAC's Yousuke Utsumi and Aaron Roodman remove the pinhole projector from the cryostat assembly after projecting the first images onto the focal plane. Explore the test images in full resolution using the links at the bottom of this press release.

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The camera will explore cosmic mysteries as part of the Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time.

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Once set in place atop a telescope in Chile, the 3,200-megapixel LSST Camera will help researchers better understand dark matter, dark energy and other mysteries of our universe.

Researchers examine the LSST Camera
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