The most ambitious astronomy project EVER | The Vera Rubin Observatory

00:00 Introduction
02:47 AD | Kiwi Co
04:18 Who was Vera Rubin and why is the telescope named after her?
06:59 What are the new technologies that have been developed for the Rubin Observatory?
08:41 What are the Rubin Observatory's main science goals?
10:24 How does Rubin differ from the Euclid Space Telescope?
13:13 Bloopers

Video filmed on a Sony ⍺7 IV

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👩🏽‍💻 I'm Dr. Becky Smethurst, an astrophysicist at the University of Oxford (Christ Church). I love making videos about science with an unnatural level of enthusiasm. I like to focus on how we know things, not just what we know. And especially, the things we still don't know. If you've ever wondered about something in space and couldn't find an answer online - you can ask me! My day job is to do research into how supermassive black holes can affect the galaxies that they live in. In particular, I look at whether the energy output from the disk of material orbiting around a growing supermassive black hole can stop a galaxy from forming stars.

[jerrysg]

The mirror for the Vera Rubin telescope was cast at the Mirror Lab at the University of Arizona in Tucson. In January 2009 I had the privilege of visiting the Lab just after the mirror had been removed from the cleaning fixture where the foam used to form the honeycomb back had been removed. The mirror was sitting on a framework on the floor. It had mounting fixtures attached to the back to mount it in the polishing jig and I crawled under it for some pictures. I have been following the progress to First Light ever since. So exciting.

[Raven]

Even if I had no interest in astronomy I’d still watch these videos. The enthusiasm is just so infectious. This is what is needed in an educator. Someone who is passionate and can convey that to an audience.

[andyreznick]

Vera Rubin's accomplishments were exceptional. So happy she receives this level of recognition.

[mariahunter]

Pippin is so adorable! Thanks for letting us see her.

[tabortollefson]

I've walked on the big mirror many times! I was on the polishing team at the Mirror Lab in Tucson when it was made.

[Jamnexec]

OMG! Pippin is stinking cute! Congratulations! 🥰

[AE-ixiz]

As a Polynesian who lives in Hilo, studied astronomy and physics, and a huge fan of science this makes me equally happy and sad.

Congratulations Chile and wider science community. Our loss in Hilo, Hawaii

[vedshah]

Im in the picture at 2:47!! So excited for this thing to come online :)

[rickseiden]

"pip install kitten" has to be the best alternate cat name I've ever heard!

PS: I was thinking, "You know it's hot in the UK when Dr. Becky is wearing a ponytail!" 😀

[davidhanna]

My uncle is John Walley. He ground NASA grade optics for his own use starting in the 60's. He also took some of the first home shots of Pluto. One of the finest home astronomers ever.

[scottrk]

OMG . We had a Russian Blue we named Pippin . Best cat in the world . Your Pippin is beautiful . Keep posting updates on her .

[JamesSymmonds]

A modern Monty Python skit:
"Why does your phone keep going off?!?"
"Oh, that's Vera."
"She seems a little... uh, psychotic."
"She's a telescope."
"Yes. Well, I guess she's not the one that's psychotic then."

[jeffturner]

Congratulations on your beautiful kitten! Her fur looks so thick and plushy!

I understand air-conditioners are not that commonplace in the UK, but with the climate continually heating up, you're probably going to need to invest in one.

[wicken]

OMG Pip is adorable! With Rubin and Euclid working together to map the universe we should get some phenomenal data.
Awesome vid. Thank you.

[VincentGroenewold]

Not just the amount of pixels, the way bigger lens compared to an iPhone, the bigger (in size) sensor and lens all account for a much better picture. Even if it only had the 12 megapixels, the rest would make it a much better picture.

[Tylemaker]

Ooh I've been waiting for this video! Vera Rubin Observatory is so cool

[TheExpatpom]

Came for the astrophysics, stayed to see if the kitten would put in another appearance.

[krishnabhutada]

Pippin is so adorable! Can't wait for the Vera Rubin Observatory to come online, exciting times ahead.

[jacksquiggle]

Inspired comparison between Euclid and Rubin. So clear! This and the ever-present, overwhelming enthusiasm is why I l enjoy your updates so much. Thank you.

[recumbentrocks]

Can't help being effected by your enthusiasm. What an amazing and ambitious project. Thanks for telling us all about it.