Mapping the Dynamic Universe
The Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), conducted by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, will transform our understanding of the dynamic universe. Over a decade of operations, LSST will observe the entire visible sky creating an unparalleled optical survey of billions of stars, galaxies, and transient phenomena.
Capturing the Ever-Changing Cosmos
LSST is a next-generation astronomical survey designed to study the structure and evolution of the universe on a grand scale. Using a state-of-the-art 8.4-meter telescope and the world’s largest digital camera, LSST will capture detailed images of the sky every few nights. This ambitious project will track billions of celestial objects and monitor phenomena like supernovae, asteroid orbits, and gravitational lensing events.
Key Science Goals
LSST will address four major scientific themes:
- Understanding Dark Energy and Dark Matter: LSST will map the distribution of galaxies and track the influence of dark energy on cosmic expansion.
- Cataloguing the Solar System: Observing millions of asteroids and comets, LSST will improve our knowledge of their trajectories and origins.
- Exploring the Transient Sky: By capturing rapid changes in the sky, LSST will provide insights into phenomena like supernovae and gamma-ray bursts.
Mapping the Milky Way: LSST will uncover the structure and history of our galaxy through precise measurements of stars.
Meet the senior researchers who lead our participation in the LSST mission.
