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 SOFIAStratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomypast MissionTypeAirborne ScienceDates2014-2022TargetSolar System, UniverseObjectiveStudy the solar system and beyond in ways impossible for ground-based telescopesA modified Boeing 747SP aircraft that carried a telescope into the stratosphere, allowing astronomers to observe the infrared universe above 99 percent of Earth's infrared-blocking atmosphereThe Flying ObservatorySOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, was a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to carry a 2.7-meter (106-inch) reflecting telescope (with an effective diameter of 2.5 meters or 100 inches). Flying into the stratosphere at 38,000-45,000 feet put SOFIA above 99 percent of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere, allowing astronomers to study the solar system and beyond in ways that are not possible with ground-based telescopes. SOFIA was made possible through a partnership between NASA and the German Space Agency at DLR.SOFIA soars over the snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountains with its telescope door open during a test flight.SOFIA soars over the snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountains with its telescope door open during a test flight. SOFIA is a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft.NASA/Jim RossThe observatory’s mobility allowed researchers to observe from almost anywhere in the world, and enabled studies of transient events that often take place over oceans, where there are no telescopes. For example, astronomers on SOFIA studied eclipse-like events of Pluto, Saturn’s moon Titan, and Kuiper Belt Object MU69, the next flyby target for NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, to study the objects’ atmospheres and surroundings.SOFIA and the Infrared UniverseSOFIA was designed to observe the infrared universe. Many objects in space emit almost all their energy at infrared wavelengths and are often invisible when observed with visible light. In other cases, celestial clouds of gas and dust block the light emitted by more distant objects, but infrared energy pierces through these clouds. In both cases, the only way to learn about these objects is to study the infrared light they emit.During 10-hour, overnight flights, SOFIA observed the solar system and beyond at mid- and far-infrared wavelengths, gathering data to study:Visible and infrared images of the Horsehead Nebula. The infrared shows carbon monoxide in red, carbon atoms and ions in green.Visible (left) and infrared (right) images of the Horsehead Nebula. The dust that forms the Horsehead blocks visible light but glows brightly in the infrared. The infrared image, taken by SOFIA’s upGREAT instrument, shows carbon monoxide molecules sheltered in the dense nebula (red area) and carbon atoms and ions that have been affected by the radiation from nearby stars (green area).Left: Dylan O’Donnell; Right: NASA/SOFIA/J. Bally et. alStar birth and death​Formation of new solar systemsIdentification of complex molecules in spacePlanets, comets and asteroids in our solar systemNebulas and galaxiesCelestial magnetic fieldsBlack holes at the center of galaxiesSOFIA's telescope instruments — cameras, spectrometers, and polarimeters — operated in the near-, mid- and far-infrared wavelengths, each suited to studying a particular phenomenon. Spectrometers spread light into its component colors, in the same way that a prism spreads visible light into a rainbow, to reveal the chemical fingerprints of celestial molecules and atoms. Polarimeters are sensitive to the effect magnetic fields have on dust in and around celestial objects, allowing astronomers to learn how magnetic fields affect the birth of stars and other objects.Unlike space-based telescopes, SOFIA landed after each flight, so its instruments could be exchanged, serviced or upgraded to harness new technologies. Because these new instruments could be tested and adjusted, SOFIA was able to explore new frontiers in the solar system and beyond and served as a testbed for technology that may one day fly in space.For a gallery of SOFIA science images, click here.The aircraft was operated and maintained by NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research CenterBuilding 703, in Palmdale, California. NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley managed SOFIA's program, science and mission operations in cooperation with the Universities Space Research Association (USRA; Columbia, Maryland) and the German SOFIA Institute (DSI; University of Stuttgart).SOFIA StoriesExplore All SOFIA StoriesArticle5 min readStudy Reveals Map of Moon’s Water Near Its South PoleArticle6 min readNASA Science To Be Featured at American Astronomical Society Meeting14 min read2022 in Review: Highlights from NASA in Silicon ValleyArticle2 years agomin readNASA’s SOFIA to Fly Low-Altitude Flight Over Local AreaNews Release3 min readNASA’s Retired SOFIA Aircraft Finds New Home at Arizona MuseumArticle2 years agoKeep ExploringDiscover More Topics From NASAJames Webb Space TelescopeThe image is divided horizontally by an undulating line between a cloudscape forming a nebula along the bottom portion and a comparatively clear upper portion. Speckled across both portions is a starfield, showing innumerable stars of many sizes. The smallest of these are small, distant, and faint points of light. The largest of these appear larger, closer, brighter, and more fully resolved with 8-point diffraction spikes. The upper portion of the image is blueish, and has wispy translucent cloud-like streaks rising from the nebula below. The orangish cloudy formation in the bottom half varies in density and ranges from translucent to opaque. The stars vary in color, the majority of which have a blue or orange hue. The cloud-like structure of the nebula contains ridges, peaks, and valleys – an appearance very similar to a mountain range. Three long diffraction spikes from the top right edge of the image suggest the presence of a large star just out of view.Perseverance RoverParker Solar ProbeJuno
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