S.O.F.I.A.
Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy
Backround Info.
-It captures the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
-It uses a 2.5 meter reflector telescope, and the airplane that carries it is specifically modified.
-There is only one telescope in the plane.
-The major discovery that it helped discover is that massive stars form in the same way that small stars do.
-It is able to fly above the clouds and even higher than the mountains allowing a cleaner view of the universe. That is why this infrared telescope stands out against others.
-Currently it is researching on the composition of planetary atmospheres and surfaces/structure and the evolution of comets.
-The data is collected by using a 2.5 meter telescope(reflecting) on a Boeing 747. And the plane than escalates to 40,000 feet and is used 3-4 nights a week.