Science Friday New Telescope Captures The Cosmos In Groundbreaking Detail
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Jun 26, 2025 
Dr. Federica Bianco, an astrophysicist at the University of Delaware and deputy project scientist for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, shares her insights on the telescope's recent stunning images. These unprecedented pictures reveal around 10 million galaxies, showcasing dynamic cosmic events and our evolving understanding of the universe. Bianco discusses the observatory's mission to study dark matter and energy, as well as an innovative app that enhances the astronomical experience, making it accessible and engaging for everyone.
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Dynamic Cosmic Imaging
- The Rubin Observatory will repeatedly image half the sky from the ground over 10 years, capturing 800 images per position.
- This approach lets us detect cosmic events changing on timescales from hours to a decade, revealing a dynamic universe.
Supernovae on a Grand Scale
- Supernovae, star explosions, happen roughly once per century in a typical galaxy.
- Observing billions of galaxies with Rubin Observatory dramatically increases the observation of these cosmic fireworks.
Cosmic Fireworks Beyond Light
- Stars disrupted by black holes and merging stars emit both gravitational waves and electromagnetic signals.
- Rubin Observatory can detect these events, adding new insight into cosmic phenomena.