Commissioning of the Vera Rubin Observatory (Simonyi Telescope, LSSTCam, etc.) continues apace. Aside from glitches with a few CCDs in the detector array, and the Camera cooling system, things are looking good. How good? An outside review panel has surveyed the project so far:
“The as-built Observatory has demonstrated the capability to acquire excellent data, and the team is working towards optimizing the efficiency and consistency of delivered performance under a range of conditions over the coming months.”
All six filters have been tried- the filter changer mechanism can only hold five at a time, and shooting through all six requires manually changing out one filter for the last. All have been tried, since technically, first light has already occurred. The telescope has taken test shots on the sky, including stars. But these are still evaluation images only- “First Light” has not been declared yet.
So, when will “First Light” occur? Sometime before June 21, since the First Light Event will take place June 23rd. On that date, a ceremony (11:00 Eastern Time) will be held at the National Science Foundation to unveil some glamour shots. Not in Arlington, VA that day? Don’t worry, the presentation will be streamed online.
https://noirlab.edu/public/announcements/ann25011/
Not anywhere near Arlington? Don’t worry again, allied organizations are planning their own Events:
https://rubinobservatory.org/news/rubin-first-look/rubin-party
Universities, observatories, and other Rubin-relevant institutions will celebrate our new view of the cosmos with their own festivities. There are well over a hundred Rubin parties listed already, maybe closer to two hundred, and there’s still time yet. Check the link above to look for a party near you.
Still can’t find a suitable Rubin party? Throw your own!
https://rubinobservatory.org/news/host-first-look-watch-party
The Project will provide press releases, images, and other materials to all who sign the necessary forms. Personally, I think throwing my own Vera Rubin party is a bit much. But then again, I’m within driving distance of two institutions holding First Look ceremonies. Your mileage may vary.