First light (astronomy)

In astronomy, first light is the first practical 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 because optical tests have likely been performed to adjust the components.

First released image from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, the Trifid and Lagoon nebulae,<ref name=Chang-NYT>Template:Cite news</ref> released on 23 June 2025.<ref name="VRF_1">Template:Cite news</ref>

See also

• First light (cosmology)