Rider University is now part of an exciting global initiative. This project aims to create the most detailed map of the universe through the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). Rider is one of about 30 institutions in the LSST Discovery Alliance, all working hard to bring this ambitious vision to life.
At the heart of this mission is the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. Each night, it captures hundreds of images of the Southern Hemisphere sky for 10 years. Recently, the observatory shared stunning images of galaxies, nebulas, and even thousands of new asteroids.
Dr. John Bochanski, an associate professor at Rider, has been involved in this project for over 15 years, dating back to his graduate studies. “Now that Rubin is functional, it’s an exciting time,” he says. He believes the project has the potential to lead to major breakthroughs in physics.
The observatory is equipped with the world’s largest digital camera. Similar in size to a Mini Cooper, it boasts a resolution of 3.2 billion pixels. This camera will create a time-lapse record of the universe, offering a wealth of data for scientists to analyze.
Scientists hope that the LSST will help them understand dark energy, which is pushing the universe apart, and dark matter, which helps keep galaxies intact. There’s also a possibility of discovering a new planet beyond Neptune. Bochanski believes that the Rubin Observatory could spot this elusive planet, changing our perspective on our place in the galaxy.
In 2015, Bochanski led a team that found the most distant stars ever observed in the Milky Way. This experience fuels his enthusiasm for the LSST’s inclusive approach to data sharing. The project aims to democratize access to its findings, allowing researchers and students from various universities to contribute.
“I’ll be recruiting undergrads for research,” Bochanski explains. “This opens doors for Rider students interested in data analysis.” Students will have access to the same data as leading scientists, an exciting opportunity for young minds.
The observatory is a significant investment, costing about $800 million, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. Bochanski hopes this will inspire the next generation of scientists to ask big questions about our universe.
Overall, the LSST represents more than just a scientific endeavor; it’s a chance to ignite curiosity and exploration among students and researchers alike.
Source link
