The VLT Survey Telescope (VST) has been one of the most efficient wide-field imagers in the optical bands since the start of operations in 2011, playing a pivotal role in expanding our understanding of the universe. By surveying the night sky with unparalleled precision, this telescope has provided astronomers with a wealth of data on a diverse range of astronomical phenomena, from distant galaxies and clusters to galactic objects. The first data release, INAF VST DR1, consists of a reduced single-epoch images, co-added images, co-added source catalogs, and associated products

detailing the use of different specific filters to enhance observational capabilities. consisting of reduced single-epoch images, co-added images, co-added source catalogs, and associated products

The dataset, gathered using high-resolution imaging techniques, spans a wide range of

celestial objects, from distant galaxies’ clusters to nearby galaxies and star clusters.

The observations have been conducted by using almost all the VST filters, e.g.

u,g,r,i,z,H_⍺, allowing for precise photometric measurements and detailed color

analyses of the captured objects, enhancing the dataset's utility for researchers

exploring various astrophysical phenomena. This release also includes some data

taken before the new INAF-ESO agreement.

This VST imaging data collection, with its extensive filter coverage, stands as a

valuable asset for observational astronomers, enabling in-depth studies of the

universe's structures and characteristics.

We plan to release new reduced data twice a year. New survey projects will be added,

along with additional data to the already released ones.