NOIRLab - The Start of the LSST

NOIRLab - The Start of the LSST

Author: 365DaysOfAstronomy.org August 8, 2026 Duration: 12:22

Hosted by Rob Sparks.

The 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time has officially started, marking the beginning of a new era in astronomy and astrophysics. Over the next ten years, Rubin will relentlessly observe the entire southern sky every few nights to create an ultra-wide, ultra-high-definition time-lapse record of our Universe. This long-awaited milestone is the culmination of years of effort by thousands of people around the world. In this podcast, Dr. Christina Williams and Dr. Yumi Choi describe the LSST and its science goals as well as what they are most excited about researching with its groundbreaking data. 

 

Bios: 

- Rob Sparks is in the Communications, Education and Engagement group at NSF's NOIRLab in Tucson, Arizona.

- Dr. Yumi Choi is an Assistant Astronomer at NSF NOIRLab. Her research focuses on understanding the formation and evolution of nearby galaxies. Her primary work utilizes high-precision, multi-band photometry to analyze resolved stellar populations in those galaxies. Beyond my independent research programs, she is a dedicated member of the Rubin Observatory Community Science Team.

 

Dr. Choi earned her PhD in Astronomy from the University of Washington in 2016. She subsequently held postdoctoral research positions at the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, Montana State University, and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). Prior to her current appointment at NSF NOIRLab in 2023, she spent a year as an Assistant Researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.

 

- Dr. Christina C. Williams is an Associate Astronomer at NSF NOIRLab in Tucson, Arizona And an Assistant Research Professor at University of Arizona and a member of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) NIRCam instrument and science teams. Her research focuses on high-redshift galaxies, galaxy evolution, and star formation in the early Universe.

 

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Imagine a daily conversation about the cosmos, where each sunrise brings a fresh perspective from a different corner of the globe. That’s the essence of The 365 Days of Astronomy. Born from the spirit of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy, this enduring project has evolved into a genuine community effort, releasing a new episode every single day. You won’t hear the same host each time; instead, the microphone passes to astronomers, educators, enthusiasts, and scientists, each sharing their unique passion and expertise. This structure means the tone and topic can shift wonderfully from one day to the next-you might delve into the mechanics of a black hole on Tuesday and then explore ancient celestial myths on Wednesday. The consistent thread is a shared wonder for the universe, presented in accessible, bite-sized pieces. Managed by Avivah Yamani and edited by Richard Drumm, this daily podcast is a production of the Planetary Science Institute, sustained by listener support. It’s a calendar of the cosmos, offering a daily moment of reflection and discovery that proves you don’t need a telescope to have your perspective shifted. Tuning in regularly builds a habit of cosmic curiosity, connecting the vastness of space to the rhythm of our own days.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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