Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
SOFIA was the successor to the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. During 10-hour, overnight flights, it observed celestial magnetic fields, star-forming regions, comets, nebulae, and the Galactic Center.
NASA''s SOFIA observatory: the flying telescope | Space
As an infrared observatory, SOFIA needed to be able to view the sky unobstructed by Earth''s atmosphere, which absorbs most of the infrared radiation coming from space.
A NASA History Office Report SOFIA
In 1986, the observatory analyzed the chemical composition of Halley''s Comet, providing insights into the makeup of early solar system materials. In 1988, the observatory was the first to
SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy)
SOFIA carried a reflecting telescope that observed the cosmos in infrared light. It flew into Earth''s stratosphere, up to about 45,000 feet (13,700 meters), and collected data during 10-hour
SOFIA | Missions | Astrobiology
SOFIA is making observations of new solar systems, complex molecules in space, and planets in our own Solar System. SOFIA is a joint program between NASA and the German Aerospace Center
Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)
SOFIA flies into the stratosphere at 11,582-13,716 meters (38,000-45,000 feet), above 99% of Earth''s infrared-blocking atmosphere, allowing astronomers to study the solar system and beyond
Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research
SOFIA is an airborne observatory that will study the universe in the infrared spectrum.
SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy)
SOFIA is a powerful, general-purpose infrared observatory used to study the birth of new stars, planetary nebulas and supernova remnants, the atmospheres of Solar System objects, and many more.