A massive new eye on the southern sky begins its mapping mission

The VLT Survey Telescope has officially joined the Paranal Observatory. Equipped with a high-resolution camera, this instrument captures expansive views of the cosmos, providing a visible-light counterpart to existing infrared survey tools.

The VLT Survey Telescope, or VST, features a 2.6-metre aperture and houses the OmegaCAM, a 268-megapixel sensor. This combination allows astronomers to conduct rapid, high-quality surveys of the southern heavens.

Initial data from the telescope highlights its capabilities by showcasing detailed views of a famous star-forming region and a dense collection of stars known as Omega Centauri. By operating in visible light, the VST works alongside the VISTA infrared telescope to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the universe.

Source: ESOcast 30: First Images from the VLT Survey Telescope -- VST and 268 megapixel OmegaCAM start work