The largest digital camera ever built released its first shots of the universe Monday — including colorful nebulas, stars and galaxies.

The Trifid and Lagoon Nebulas, captured by the observatory, with circles showing the location of detailed images below in descending order. (Supplied: NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory) ...

At the top of the image is the Trifid nebula combining 678 exposures. The Trifid Nebula, also referred to as Messier 20, is a bright, colorful cloud of gas and dust about 5,000 light-years away.

At the top of the image is the Trifid nebula combining 678 exposures. The Trifid Nebula, also referred to as Messier 20, is a bright, colorful cloud of gas and dust about 5,000 light-years away.