The Vera C. Rubin observatory, currently under development on the El Peñón peak of Cerro Pachón mountain in Chile, is set to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. With the ability to capture up to 1000 images of the sky every few nights over 10 years, the observatory will build the most precise map of the universe ever and could potentially solve two of science’s greatest mysteries: the nature of dark energy and dark matter.
Dark energy and dark matter make up what is known as the dark universe, which accounts for 95% of the total energy and matter content of the universe. However, these components are essentially invisible to us, making them challenging for researchers to study. Dark matter does not interact with light and can only be inferred by its gravitational effects on light and “ordinary” matter. Dark energy, on the other hand, acts on a larger scale, accelerating the expansion of the universe and pushing galaxies apart.
The Vera C. Rubin observatory, named after American astronomer Vera C. Rubin, will utilize its wide field-of-view to reveal how a web of dark matter distorts images of distant galaxies. By mapping this mysterious substance, scientists hope to gain insights into how dark energy and dark matter have intertwined to shape the cosmos. The observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) will observe the entire visible southern sky, providing scientists with a wealth of data to study.
Andrés Alejandro Plazas Malagón, Rubin operations scientist, expressed excitement about the possibilities that Rubin will bring: “With Rubin, we’re going to have everything. We’re going to measure the properties of vastly more galaxies than what we have now, which is going to give us the statistical power to use weak lensing to both map the distribution of dark matter and study how dark energy evolves with time.”
One of the key techniques that Rubin will utilize is gravitational lensing, a phenomenon predicted by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity. This phenomenon occurs when objects with mass “warp” the fabric of the universe, causing light to follow curved paths. By observing these warped paths, scientists can infer the presence and behavior of dark matter.
Rubin’s large dataset of galaxies and its ability to visualize huge patches of the sky will enable scientists to study weak lensing, which is the subtle distortion of distant galaxies caused by the large-scale cosmic web of dark matter. This cumulative warping effect can reveal insights into the nature and distribution of dark matter.
In addition to shedding light on dark matter and dark energy, Rubin could potentially challenge the accepted theory of gravity within Einstein’s general theory of relativity. The observatory has the potential to explore alternatives to dark energy and provide evidence for a modified theory of gravity.
The Vera C. Rubin observatory is expected to begin operations in 2025, and scientists around the world eagerly await the groundbreaking discoveries that await. With its powerful capabilities and innovative approach, Rubin has the potential to unlock the secrets of the dark universe and reshape our understanding of the cosmos.