SOFIA: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Boeing 747 Aircraft, Imaging Techniques, Infrared Astronomy, Infrared Detectors, Observatories, Telescopes, C-141 Aircraft, Far Infrared Radiation, Infrared Spectra, Microwave Frequencies, Sensitivity, Spectral Resolution, Submillimeter Waves

Scientific paper

SOFIA will be a three meter class telescope operating in a Boeing 747, offering astronomers routine access to infrared wavelengths unavailable from the ground, and with the means to observe transient astronomical events from anywhere in the world. The concept is based on 15 years of experience with NASA's Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO), which SOFIA will replace in the mid 1990's. SOFIA's wavelength range covers nearly four decades of the electromagnetic spectrum: from the visible, throughout the infrared and submillimeter, to the microwave region. Relative to the KAO, SOFIA will be roughly ten times more sensitive for compact sources, enabling observations of fainter objects and measurements at higher spectral resolution. Also, it will have three times the angular resolving power for wavelengths greater than 30 microns, permitting more detailed imaging at far infrared wavelengths.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

SOFIA: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with SOFIA: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and SOFIA: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1535582

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.