StarTalk Radio Vera Rubin Observatory with Zeljko Ivezic
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Jul 29, 2025 Zeljko Ivezic, Director of Rubin Observatory Construction, gives a glimpse into the groundbreaking Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) that aims to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. The discussion touches on the capabilities of the new observatory compared to Hubble, the impressive advancements in asteroid detection, and the role of AI in identifying celestial objects. Ivezic also highlights the importance of citizen science and open data, inviting the public to engage with astronomical research while sharing the logistical challenges of building this monumental facility.
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Legacy Survey's Relentless Sky Movie
- The Vera Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time will scan the whole sky every few nights relentlessly for ten years.
- This yields a vast, dynamic movie of the night sky, enabling studies of changes in brightness and motion across billions of celestial objects.
Asteroid Discovery Revolution
- The Rubin Observatory will significantly increase asteroid discovery by a factor of five within the first few years.
- It combines a massive field of view and high sensitivity, operating 10 times faster than comparable telescopes.
Get Involved with Rubin Data
- Citizen scientists and educators can engage deeply with Rubin data using tools like Sky Viewer.
- Participating aids training AI models, enhancing automated identification of comets, asteroids, and transient objects.
