The panel discussion was moderated by Professor Shigeto Watanabe of Hokkaido Information University and Director of the Space Information Center, with Ms. Takako Sugai, a weather caster, and Mr. Yuji Adachi, Director of the Forecast Division of the Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory, as panelists.We will discuss what will change with the appearance of Himawari 8, how the weather forecast will change, what the artificial satellite will tell us about the earth, and whether it will affect our lives.After this, a tour of the Himawari 8 operational antenna is also planned.Admission is free and no prior application is required.In addition, the first 200 people will receive space food as a gift.

Himawari 8 is a large geostationary meteorological satellite developed by Japan. It was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture in October 2014 and entered geosynchronous orbit, and official operation began in July 10.It monitors Japan, East Asia, and the Western Pacific region, and provides weather forecasts and information necessary for aircraft and ship operations.

The observation function has been greatly enhanced compared to the previous Himawari No. 7.In the past, it took about 30 minutes to observe the range visible from a geostationary satellite, but it has been shortened to 10 minutes.In addition to being able to grasp the movement of clouds that cause typhoons and guerrilla rainstorms in detail, it is also possible to accurately observe the movement of volcanic ash, cloud smoke, and yellow sand.Until now, instructions to satellites were limited to once a day, but now they can be issued at 1-minute intervals.The ground equipment for transmission and reception was set up in Hatoyama Town, Saitama Prefecture, and a sub station in Ebetsu City, where there is little damage from typhoons, in case the main station becomes unusable due to a disaster.

Source:[Hokkaido Information University] Meteorological Satellite Himawari 8 Lecture in Hokkaido Information University