02-25-2016, 06:47 PM
Many of the astronomical observatories on Mauna Kea have switched to remote observing where the telescope is run by operators in Hilo or Waimea without the cost of having a crew at the summit overnight. For me, this is both good and bad. Costs are reduced, but the magic of being at the summit for sunsets, sunrises, an incredible night sky and just being within walking distance of the instruments you're using has been lost. But this is the way things are going.
Now it's also happening for amateur astronomy!
Imiloa is letting those unwilling to experience observing from a dark, high altitude site to observe from the comfort of sea-level.
http://www.imiloahawaii.org/calendar/day...event_1475
Just to clarify, this is not a live feed from the telescopes at the summit, but from smaller telescopes at the VIS at the 9000 ft level, but the sky is often incredible from there.
Apologies for the short notice, the first event is this Saturday, but it seems the plan is to have a few more of these live observing sessions.
Now it's also happening for amateur astronomy!
Imiloa is letting those unwilling to experience observing from a dark, high altitude site to observe from the comfort of sea-level.
http://www.imiloahawaii.org/calendar/day...event_1475
Just to clarify, this is not a live feed from the telescopes at the summit, but from smaller telescopes at the VIS at the 9000 ft level, but the sky is often incredible from there.
Apologies for the short notice, the first event is this Saturday, but it seems the plan is to have a few more of these live observing sessions.