First light (astronomy)

First light image from the Kepler space telescope with two points of interest outlined. Celestial north is toward the lower left corner.

In astronomy, first light is the first use of a new instrument, typically a telescope, to take an astronomical image after it has been constructed. This is often not the first viewing using the telescope, as optical tests are usually performed beforehand to adjust the components.

First released image from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, the Trifid and Lagoon nebulae, released on 23 June 2025.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Atkinson, Nancy (16 April 2009). "Kepler's "First Light" Images". Universe Today. Retrieved 2012-10-13.
  2. ↑ Lewis, Daniel (16 November 2017). "First Light". The Huntington. Retrieved 23 August 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ↑ Chang, Kenneth; Miller, Katrina (23 June 2025). "Vera Rubin Scientists Reveal Telescope's First Images". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  4. ↑ Wells, Ione; Rannard, Georgina (23 June 2025). "First celestial image unveiled from revolutionary telescope". BBC. Archived from the original on 23 June 2025. Retrieved 24 June 2025.