First images of distant galaxies captured by ‘ultimate’ telescope

This image combines 678 separate images taken by the Vera C Rubin Observatory in just over seven hours of observing time. Clouds of gas and dust that comprise the Trifid nebula (top right) and the Lagoon nebula, which are several thousand light-years away from Earth, can be seen. Photograph: NSF-DOE Vera C Rubin observatory

Spectacular views of distant galaxies, giant dust clouds and hurtling asteroids have been revealed in the first images captured by a groundbreaking telescope that is embarking on a 10-year survey of the cosmos.

The stunning pictures from the $810m (£595m) Vera C Rubin observatory in Chile mark the start of what astronomers believe will be a gamechanging period of discovery as the telescope sets about compiling the best view yet of the universe in action.