Ever wonder how the deepest place on the planet looks like? Now, a live video feed from the Mariana Trench can now be readily viewed via Youtube.
Under the Pacific Ocean, the Mariana Trench delves deep below at 7,044 feet, deeper than Mount Everest's summit if it is underwater. However, scientists and explorers find it challenging to reach the deepest parts of the trench, where only little is known about the region.
Now, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) deep sea exploration vehicle known as the Okeanos Explorer is busy scouring the Mariana since April 20. The remotely operated autonomous submersible vehicle is now streaming live video footage on NOAA's website and their Youtube channel.
Currently, the vehicle is exploring the seafloor of the Mariana Trench's marine national monument, that is estimated at 3,685 feet deep, near the eastern region of the Philippines in Southeast Asia.
The scientist commentators aboard the Okeanos Explorer said on Wednesday that they "turned off the party line because they were too loud". During the live feed, scientists are eager to point out a starfish, a couple of sponges, a holothurian sea cucumber, three kinds of anemones, a tripod fish, a "sediment dweller", cusk eels and more, revealing the incredible ecosystem and marine biodiversity of the trench.
Kelley, one of the commentators said, it's been a great sponge day, as almost 3,000 viewers tuned in. The mission will continue until July 10 where the ship's location will be monitored in real time, online.
NOAA will also provide updates daily including highlight videos and images. Avid followers can also download a mobile app to track the team's underwater exploration on a smartphone or a tablet.