Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)
Q. SOFIA stands for- Published on 09 May 16a. Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astrology
b. Strategic Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
c. Stratospheric Observation Instrument for Astronomy
d. Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
ANSWER: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
- The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to construct and maintain an airborne observatory.
- 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.
- This telescope is designed for infrared astronomy observations in the stratosphere at altitudes of about 12 kilometres (41,000 ft).
- SOFIA's flight capability allows it to rise above almost all of the water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere, which blocks some infrared wavelengths from reaching the ground.
- At the aircraft's cruising altitude, 85% of the full infrared range will be available. The aircraft can also travel to almost any point on the Earth's surface, allowing observation from the northern and southern hemispheres.
