The Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s 8.4-meter Simonyi Survey Telescope in Chile has achieved a major milestone in its design and construction effort. With the installation of the combined primary/tertiary mirror, all three mirrors and a commissioning camera are now in place. This marks the first time in the 15-year construction process that the telescope is complete. The telescope, named after Microsoft software pioneer Charles Simonyi, is expected to provide insight into mysteries such as dark energy, dark matter, and the potential existence of an unseen “Planet X” in our solar system.
The telescope’s primary/tertiary mirror is 8.4 meters wide and features a continuous surface with different curvatures to optimize image resolution in a compact support structure. The secondary mirror, measuring 3.4 meters wide, was installed earlier. Once fully operational, the Simonyi Survey Telescope is projected to generate 20 terabytes of data each night. However, the current version is not yet ready for full-scale observations. The commissioning camera, a smaller version of the LSST Camera, is currently being used for testing and troubleshooting. The LSST Camera, the largest digital camera in the world, will be installed next year after additional testing.
The University of Washington’s astronomers are actively involved in the construction and operations of the Rubin Observatory. Key figures such as Zeljko Ivezic and Mario Jurić are leading the efforts in development and data management. Recent milestones, such as the successful installation of the primary/tertiary mirror, have increased anticipation for the start of science operations. The completion of the telescope assembly signifies progress towards the observatory’s goal of capturing data to understand the cosmos.
Despite facing delays in construction, the Rubin Observatory team remains committed to the project’s success. Unexpected challenges, such as actuator damage on the mirror, have slowed down progress but efforts are underway to meet upcoming milestones. The commissioning camera is set to achieve the “First Photon” milestone in mid-November, with plans for the LSST Camera installation in February. The Simonyi Survey Telescope is expected to achieve “First Light” in June, followed by full-scale observations for the Legacy Survey of Space and Time.
The completion and installation of all mirrors and cameras on the Simonyi Survey Telescope represent a significant achievement in the Rubin Observatory’s long-term vision. The observatory’s team is dedicated to advancing astronomical research and uncovering new insights into the universe. With the support of astronomers and scientists from the University of Washington, ongoing progress is being made in preparing the telescope for science operations. The evolving timeline and challenges encountered throughout the construction process highlight the complexity and dedication required for such ambitious astronomy projects.
