Rubin Observatory launches real-time alert system

This artist’s illustration represents the start of the alert stream from NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. The summit facility is on a rocky ridge with the Milky Way above. The multiple alert pings in the sky represent individual alerts from Rubin that something in the sky has changed in brightness or position. Different icons represent various types of alerts, including asteroids, supernovas, active galactic nuclei and variable stars. Image via NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory/ NOIRLab /SLAC /AURA /P.