Rubin Observatory is pleased to announce that Early Data Preview 2 (EDP2) is now available.
About: EDP2 contains image and catalog products from Rubin Science Pipelines v30 processing of observations obtained with the LSST Camera between Apr 2025 and Jan 2026. It includes deep coadd images; catalogs of measurements made on deep coadd, visit, and difference images; and a variety of observational and processing metadata. The individual raw, visit, and difference images (and relevant calibration files) are expected to be released between Oct and Dec 2026, completing the DP2 dataset.
Access: EDP2 is accessible by Rubin data rights holders via the Rubin Science Platform (RSP; data.lsst.cloud). Request a new account by following the instructions at ls.st/rsp-signup. It can take several days to process new requests; be sure to check your spam folder for relevant communications. Report any issues in the Support category here in the Forum.
Already have an RSP account? Start browsing the DP2 color images (link goes to M49; zoom out! scroll around!).
For additional details on RSP updates for EDP2:
Resources:
- Live virtual EDP2 introductory seminars Aug 4 and 6: how to join
- EDP2 documentation and tutorials: dp2.lsst.io
- DP2 data release paper (early draft): doi.org/10.71929/rubin/3377440
- Rubin Science Platform user guide: rsp.lsst.io
- Rubin data policy and data rights holder information
FAQ
How much sky does EDP2 cover, and to what depth?
The EDP2 deep coadd images cover ~3000 square degrees of sky, total. This coadded region includes a contiguous area that covers ecliptic, extragalactic, and Galactic plane regions, plus deep drilling fields and small survey fields. Individual processed visit images cover ~15000 square degrees of sky. Depth varies by filter across these regions. Go to the overview of the DP2 observations.
How do I cite EDP2 if I use the dataset for science?
Visit the How to cite DP2 page for the DOI and BibTex of the data release paper and the dataset; the software, telescope, and camera; and the naming convention for referring to individual objects and sources. The same set of references should be used for both EDP2 and the full complete DP2. Visit citations.lsst.io for more general information on citing the Rubin Observatory.
Why are the individual images being released separately, and later?
EDP2 has limited image data products: deep coadd images only. The raw, visit, difference, and template images will be added in the “Full” DP2 release expected Oct-Dec 2026. The metadata and source measurements for the deep coadd, visit, and difference images are all available in the EDP2 catalogs. This phased delivery reflects ongoing work to fully integrate the hybrid (USDF plus cloud) US Data Access Center (Section 3.3 of RTN-011).
What other Rubin data is coming out this year?
The Prompt Products Database (PPDB), promptly-processed images, and the “Full” DP2 release of raw, visit, and difference images are all expected by the end of 2026. The exact timeline is available on the Early Science Program webpage and in RTN-011. Subscribe to the News and Science Announcements categories in the Forum to be notified, or check Rubin’s Events For Scientists.