SBU Physics and Astronomy Faculty and Students Prepare to Measure the Universe
Stony Brook University professors — along with post-doctoral, graduate and undergraduate students — from the Department of Physics and Astronomy are preparing to measure the Universe with the newly constructed National Science Foundation (NSF)-Department of Energy (DOE) Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile.
Located on the El Peñón peak of Cerro Pachón in the Andes Mountains in Chile, the Rubin Observatory revealed the first set of large, ultra-high-definition images and videos on June 23, showcasing its extraordinary capabilities to the world for the first time at a “First Look Event” in Washington, D.C. Stony Brook researchers celebrated with their colleagues worldwide by hosting a “First Look Watch Party.”
“The known part of our Universe comprises only ~5% of the Universe,” said Chang Kee Jung, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences. “The other part is composed of ‘Dark Energy’ and ‘Dark Matter,’ which we still know little about. The newly constructed Rubin Observatory will provide unprecedented data that will help us to greatly advance our understanding of the Universe. As a particle physicist myself, I have a keen interest in this magnificent telescope, not only for its fundamental science goals but also for its technology and participation of a large number of particle physicists in the project. The Stony Brook faculty members, postdocs and students have made significant contributions to the project. I am eager to see the stunning initial images and looking forward to seeing breakthrough findings from this interdisciplinary and mega-science project.”