This animation showcases the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s vivid view of the Virgo Cluster, located 55 million light-years away. It begins with two contrasting galaxies — one quiet and old, the other bright with newborn stars — before zooming out to reveal a Universe filled with millions of galaxies. The scene represents just a tiny fraction of the 20 billion galaxies Rubin will capture over its 10-year survey. Highlighted are detailed features like a galaxy merger and massive galaxy clusters, all imaged using the world’s largest digital camera in just seven nights. Explore more at rubinobservatory.org.
Credit:
RubinObs/NOIRLab/SLAC/NSF/DOE/AURA