Sign on

SAO/NASA ADS Astronomy Abstract Service

· Find Similar Abstracts (with default settings below)
· Electronic Refereed Journal Article (HTML)
· References in the article
· Also-Read Articles (Reads History)
·
· Translate This Page
Title:
A new window on the cosmos: The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)
Authors:
Gehrz, R. D.; Becklin, E. E.; de Pater, I.; Lester, D. F.; Roellig, T. L.; Woodward, C. E.
Affiliation:
AA(Department of Astronomy, School of Physics and Astronomy, 116 Church Street, S.E., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA), AB(Universities Space Research Association, NASA Ames Research Center, MS 211-3, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA), AC(Astronomy Department, University of California Berkeley, 601 Campbell Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA), AD(Department of Astronomy, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station C1400, Austin, TX 78712, USA), AE(NASA Ames Research Center, MS 245-6, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA), AF(Department of Astronomy, School of Physics and Astronomy, 116 Church Street, S.E., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA)
Publication:
Advances in Space Research, Volume 44, Issue 4, p. 413-432. (AdSpR Homepage)
Publication Date:
08/2009
Origin:
ELSEVIER
DOI:
10.1016/j.asr.2009.04.011
Bibliographic Code:
2009AdSpR..44..413G

Abstract

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a joint US/German Project to develop and operate a gyrostabilized 2.5-m telescope in a Boeing 747-SP. This observatory will allow astronomical observations from 0.3 μm to sub-millimeter wavelengths at stratospheric altitudes as high as 45,000 ft where the atmosphere is not only cloud-free, but largely transparent at infrared wavelengths. The dynamics and chemistry of interstellar matter, and the details of embedded star formation will be key science goals. In addition, SOFIA’s unique portability will enable large-telescope observations at sites required to observe transient phenomena and location specific events. SOFIA will offer the convenient accessibility of a ground-based telescope for servicing, maintenance, and regular technology upgrades, yet will also have many of the performance advantages of a space-based telescope. Initially, SOFIA will fly with nine first-generation focal plane instruments that include broad-band imagers, moderate resolution spectrographs that will resolve broad features from dust and large molecules, and high resolution spectrometers capable of studying the chemistry and detailed kinematics of molecular and atomic gas. First science flights will begin in 2010, leading to a full operations schedule of about 120 8-10 h flights per year by 2014. The next call for instrument development that can respond to scientifically exciting new technologies will be issued in 2010. We describe the SOFIA facility and outline the opportunities for observations by the general scientific community with cutting edge focal plane technology. We summarize the operational characteristics of the first-generation instruments and give specific examples of the types of fundamental scientific studies these instruments are expected to make.
Bibtex entry for this abstract   Preferred format for this abstract (see Preferences)
   

Find Similar Abstracts:

Use: Authors
Title
Abstract Text
Return: Query Results Return    items starting with number
Query Form
Database: Astronomy
Physics
arXiv e-prints