What is something NASA just found from SOFIA?
NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) has confirmed, for the first time, water on the sunlit surface of the Moon. This discovery indicates that water may be distributed across the lunar surface, and not limited to cold, shadowed places.
How high does NASA SOFIA fly?
38,000-45,000 feet
Flying into the stratosphere at 38,000-45,000 feet puts 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.
What is a NASA SOFIA?
SOFIA is a joint program between NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and is a telescope capable of making observations from onboard an airplane. SOFIA is comprised of a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to accommodate a 2.5 meter gyro-stabilized telescope.
What object was being studied on SOFIA Why was that object selected?
SOFIA is based on a Boeing 747SP wide-body aircraft that has been modified to include a large door in the aft fuselage that can be opened in flight to allow a 2.5 m (8.2 ft) diameter reflecting telescope access to the sky….The SOFIA aircraft.
| SOFIA | |
|---|---|
| Owners and operators | NASA |
| In service | 2010–present |
What has been detected with the SOFIA Telescope?
Supported by NASA and DLR—the German Space Center—some of SOFIA’s significant discoveriesduring this past year are highlighted below. SOFIA recently discovered even more compelling evidence of water on the Moon, this time in its sunlit regions—in Clavius Crater– affording exciting new opportunities for lunar science.
Who built the SOFIA Telescope?
NASA, Universities Space Research Association (USRA) and the German Aerospace Center, DLR, are working together to develop SOFIA, a 2.5-meter infrared telescope mounted in a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft.
How much did SOFIA telescope cost?
NASA has sold that versatility as one of the big advantages of SOFIA, but it likely accounts for some of the telescope’s hefty $85 million annual price tag, too. Simply put, “It is the second-most-expensive astrophysics mission that NASA operates, behind only the Hubble Space Telescope,” Nature reports.
Where is NASA SOFIA?
The SOFIA Program Office is at NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., which manages SOFIA’s science and mission operations in cooperation with the Universities Space Research Association (USRA; Columbia, Md.)
Where is NASA SOFIA located?
When was SOFIA built?
The SOFIA aircraft is a Boeing 747SP with a distinguished history. It was originally acquired by Pan American World Airways and was delivered in May 1977.
How often does SOFIA fly?
about four flights each week
SOFIA in the sky The aircraft makes about four flights each week, cruising for 10 hours at a time between 40,000 and 44,000 feet (12,000 and 13,000 meters), putting it above more than 99% of the infrared-scattering water vapor in Earth’s atmosphere.
Why is SOFIA called SOFIA?
The name Sofia comes from the Saint Sofia Church, as opposed to the prevailing Slavic origin of Bulgarian cities and towns. The origin is in the Greek word sophia (σοφία) “wisdom”.
Where is NASA’s 747SP?
NASA’s 747SP, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, abbreviated SOFIA, has crossed the Atlantic on her way to Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg. The one-of-a-kind aircraft will be touching down shortly after 19:00 local time this evening to undergo a C-check with the German maintenance specialist.
Who modified the Boeing 747SP Sofia?
The Boeing 747SP that is SOFIA underwent extensive modifications by L-3 Integrated Systems in Waco, Texas, from 1998 to 2007. L-3 Integrated Systems was responsible for the aircraft’s modifications including design engineering, airframe structual modifications, telescope design integration, and flight test activities.
What is a SOFIA aircraft?
The SOFIA aircraft is a Boeing 747SP with a distinguished history. It was originally acquired by Pan American World Airways and was delivered in May 1977. The “SP” designates that this is a special performance, short-body version of the 747, designed for longer flights than the Boeing 747 Classics (747-100, -200, and -300 series jetliners).
Did you know NASA operates a Boeing 747SP as a Stratospheric Observatory?
If you didn’t already know, NASA operates a rare Boeing 747SP as a stratospheric observatory. Named SOFIA, for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, this aircraft is the only airborne observatory in the world.