Canada France Hawaii Telescope Corporation

The Canada France Hawaii Telescope Corporation is a nonprofit entity associated with the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), a world-class astronomical observatory located on the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. However, the corporation itself is not a US nonprofit organization overseeing the broader charitable aspects but rather is involved in the management and operation of the telescope.

Overview

The CFHT is a collaborative project between Canada, France, and the University of Hawaii. It began operating in 1979 with a 3.6-meter optical and infrared telescope, making it one of the largest and most productive telescopes at that time[1][2]. The observatory is managed by the National Research Council of Canada, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France, and the University of Hawaii[3].

Features and Operations

• Telescope Details: The telescope has a usable aperture diameter of 3.58 meters and operates in the Prime Focus/Cassegrain configuration[4]. It provides capabilities for wide-field optical and infrared imaging and high-resolution spectroscopy[2].

• Instruments: The telescope hosts several advanced instruments, including MegaPrime/MegaCam, WIRCam, ESPaDOnS, SITELLE, and SPIRou. These tools enhance its ability to conduct astronomical research across various spectral bands[4].

• Research Focus: Research conducted using the CFHT includes the study of solar systems, star formation, the interstellar medium, galaxy structures, and large-scale structures of the universe[1][3].

• Collaborations: The CFHT engages in international collaborations, offering telescope access to astronomers from Canada, France, the University of Hawaii, and through partnerships with countries like China, Taiwan, Brazil, and Korea[3][4].

Notable Discoveries

The CFHT has been instrumental in several groundbreaking discoveries, including the detection of new moons around Saturn and Uranus[1][4]. It also played a significant role in large-scale surveys like the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey (CFHTLS), which contributed to understanding cosmic phenomena[3].

Future Development

Proposals for upgrading the CFHT to a 10-meter class telescope, known as the Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer (MSE), are under consideration. This upgrade aims to enhance the observatory's capabilities for wide-field spectroscopy[2][3].