Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s First Images Released
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile released its first images on June 23, 2025, showcasing its 3,200-megapixel camera’s capabilities. The images include the Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae, captured in 678 exposures, and sections of the Virgo Cluster, revealing millions of galaxies and thousands of new asteroids. These test observations highlight Rubin’s ability to image faint and distant objects for its upcoming 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time, set to explore dark matter, dark energy, and potential discoveries like Planet Nine.