New CFHT-Asahi StarCam Offers Stunning 24/7 Views of Maunakea
The Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) has embarked on a new initiative, partnering with the renowned Japanese media company, Asahi Shimbun, to showcase breathtaking views of Maunakea’s summit through the CFHT-Asahi StarCam. This high-definition, weather-resistant camera system goes live on YouTube, offering an unparalleled, round-the-clock view of the mountain and its surroundings.
Figure 1: A snapshot from the CFHT-Asahi StarCam just before sunset, showcasing observatories including Subaru Telescope, Keck I+II, NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF), James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), and The Submillimeter Array (SMA). (Credit: CFHT & Asahi Shimbun in collaboration with Subaru Telescope, NAOJ)
The CFHT-Asahi StarCam Launch
Launched on January 9, 2025, this new camera system complements the existing Subaru-Asahi StarCam, which began livestreaming from the Subaru Telescope in 2021. This partnership promises to deliver a fresh perspective, as the CFHT-Asahi StarCam faces the Western sky, whereas its predecessor provides an Eastern view.
Unique Features of the CFHT-Asahi StarCam
“This collaboration allows us to share the beauty of Maunakea and the wonder of astronomy with a global audience,” says Cam Wipper, an astronomy technical specialist at CFHT and a graduate of UH Hilo. “People can witness spectacular events like meteor showers and sunset transformations, which are rare to capture with still images.”
Strategically positioned, the CFHT-Asahi StarCam presents a series of dynamic scenes throughout the day. Early morning images, for instance, often depict Maunakea’s shadow, illuminated by the rising sun, casting a dramatic backdrop behind the observatories. As the day progresses, the sky transforms, and viewers can follow these scenic changes live.
Figure 2: Various scenes captured by the CFHT-Asahi StarCam, highlighting the day-to-night transformation on Maunakea’s summit. (Credit: CFHT & Asahi Shimbun in collaboration with Subaru Telescope, NAOJ)
A Global Audience
The unique setup of these cameras, CFHT-Asahi StarCam and Subaru-Asahi StarCam, offers a dual perspective of the summit, enhancing the viewing experience. Typically, the live stream attracts between 40 to 200 viewers simultaneously but can swell to tens of thousands during special events such as meteor showers or other astronomical phenomena.
“We are grateful for Asahi Shimbun’s partnership, which has expanded the Asahi StarCam network on Maunakea and now shares these amazing views with people worldwide,” states Dr. Ichi Tanaka, a senior staff astronomer at the Subaru Telescope. “Our vision is to foster a community that can marvel at the beauty of astronomy, wherever they are located.”
How to Watch the Live Stream
The 24/7 livestream is available via the ‘Astro Asahi LIVE’ YouTube channel. To experience the Western view, navigate to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh6Nqiq6LIg&t=0s. For the Eastern perspective, use this link: https://www.naoj.org/PIO/LiveCam/cam_redirect.html.
Conclusion
The cooperation between CFHT and Asahi Shimbun offers a valuable opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and casual viewers alike to connect with the immense beauty of Maunakea’s summit. This unique 24/7 live stream not only educates but also inspires an appreciation for the cosmos, turning stargazing into a shared global experience.
Join the community of astronomy enthusiasts, access the live stream, and be part of this incredible endeavor to bring the magic of the night sky into your home. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or subscribe to receive more fascinating content.
