New CFHT-Asahi StarCam Brings Live Views Of Maunakea To The World
Credit: CFHT & Asahi Shimbun in collaboration with Subaru Telescope, NAOJ
Since 2021, the Subaru-Asahi StarCam has provided a 24/7 livestream of the eastern side of Maunakea for viewers. Made possible by a partnership between Subaru Telescope and the Japanese media company Asahi Shimbun, this stream allows viewers to watch the stars, twilight, sunrise, and everything in between as if they were standing on the catwalk of the telescope dome. Now, a new livestream is offering an additional view from the new CFHT-Asahi StarCam thanks to a partnership between the Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope (CFHT) and Asahi Shimbun.
“Last spring, Asahi Shimbun approached us about adding another camera, this time facing west, to give viewers a new perspective of the Mauna,” said Cam Wipper, CFHT astronomy technical specialist and UH Hilo alumnus. “This partnership allows us to share the beauty of Maunakea and the magic of the night sky with people worldwide. The live feed lets viewers witness dynamic events like meteor showers and sunsets, which are hard to capture with still images.”
The CFHT-Asahi StarCam started streaming 24/7 on July 9, 2025. This new high-definition, weatherproof camera system is strategically positioned to look toward the Western sky, juxtaposing the Subaru-Asahi StarCam’s Eastern view. Thanks to the dark skies and high clear-sky ratio on Maunakea, these cameras capture a stunning view of the starry sky without light pollution almost every night.
“We appreciate the partnership with Asahi Shimbun that has allowed us to expand the Asahi StarCam network on Maunakea and bring these incredible views to a global audience. Our goal is to build a community that can appreciate the wonder of astronomy, no matter where they are.”
Typically, between 40 and 200 people watch the livestream at any given time, but that number skyrockets during astronomical events. From comets to meteor showers, watchers of the Subaru-Asahi StarCam Livestream have seen many of the night sky’s wonders over the years, and the CFHT-Asahi StarCam Livestream will greatly enhance the experience.
The 24/7 livestream is available on the ‘Astro Asahi LIVE’ YouTube channel:
To view the CFHT-Asahi StarCam (facing West), visit: Maunakea Western View and Meteor Shower LIVE from Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT)
To view the Subaru-Asahi StarCam (facing East), visit: Maunakea Eastern View and Meteor Shower LIVE from NAOJ Subaru Telescope, Hawai'i
