Time-Domain Science with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory

Event Date:
2026-01-26T16:00:00
2026-01-26T17:00:00
Event Location:
HEBB 318
Speaker:
Eric Bellm, University of Washington
Related Upcoming Events:
Astronomy Colloquia
Intended Audience:
Public
Local Contact:

Allison Man (aman@phas.ubc.ca) and Brett Gladman (gladman@astro.ubc.ca)

All are welcome to this event!

Event Information:

 

Abstract:

When it begins its full survey later this year, the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory will produce a stream of transient, variable, and moving objects of unprecedented scale.  I will review the design and science goals of the Rubin alert stream before discussing what we've learned from ongoing commissioning activities. Data from the ComCam commissioning camera were released in 2025; I will present science highlights and provide a look forward to the first Rubin alerts as well as future data releases.

Bio:

I am a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Washington and a Fellow of the DIRAC Institute.

I am leading the development of major portions of two new large optical time-domain surveys. I am the Alert Production Science Lead for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory as well as Survey Scientist for the Zwicky Transient Facility.

I am using optical variability data to search for hidden populations of neutron star and black hole binaries in our Galaxy. My research includes observation, instrumentation, and large-scale data analysis.
 

Learn More:

 

Add to Calendar 2026-01-26T16:00:00 2026-01-26T17:00:00 Time-Domain Science with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Event Information:   Abstract: When it begins its full survey later this year, the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory will produce a stream of transient, variable, and moving objects of unprecedented scale.  I will review the design and science goals of the Rubin alert stream before discussing what we've learned from ongoing commissioning activities. Data from the ComCam commissioning camera were released in 2025; I will present science highlights and provide a look forward to the first Rubin alerts as well as future data releases. Bio: I am a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Washington and a Fellow of the DIRAC Institute. I am leading the development of major portions of two new large optical time-domain surveys. I am the Alert Production Science Lead for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory as well as Survey Scientist for the Zwicky Transient Facility. I am using optical variability data to search for hidden populations of neutron star and black hole binaries in our Galaxy. My research includes observation, instrumentation, and large-scale data analysis.  Learn More: About Eric from his University of Washington faculty page and personal website About the Vera C. Rubin Observatory About optical variability in stars: Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars (MOST) - Canadian Astronomy Data Centre   Event Location: HEBB 318