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SOFIA Observatory: Overview and Specifications

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) features a 2.5-meter telescope mounted on a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft. It specializes in imaging and spectroscopy in the infrared range from 0.3 µm to 1.6 mm, with a focus on obscured infrared regions (30-300 µm) above 99.8% of atmospheric water vapor at altitudes of 39,000 to 45,000 feet. A joint program between the US and Germany, SOFIA aims for over 120 flights annually, adapting to evolving technologies, and providing unique observational capabilities for astronomical research.

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SOFIA Observatory: Overview and Specifications

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  1. SOFIA Observatory Overview and Specifications Last Updated – 2012-09-14

  2. SOFIA Overview • 2.5-m telescope in a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft • Imaging and spectroscopy from 0.3 m to 1.6 mm • Emphasizes the obscured IR (30-300 m) • Operational Altitude • 39,000 to 45,000 feet (12 to 14 km) • Above > 99.8% of obscuring water vapor • Joint Program between the US (80%) and Germany (20%) • First Light images were obtained on May 26, 2010 • 20 year design lifetime – can respond to changing technology • Science Ops at NASA-Ames; Flight Ops at Dryden FRC (Palmdale- Site 9) • Deployments to the Southern Hemisphere and elsewhere • Goal is >120 8-10 hour flights per year

  3. The SOFIA Observing Environment • Above 99.8% of the water vapor • Transmission at 14 km >80% from 1 to 800 µm • Emphasis is on the obscured IR regions from 30 to 300 µm

  4. The SOFIA Observatory E.T Young et al. 2012, ApJ, 749, L17

  5. Telescope and Optical Layout E.T Young et al. 2012, ApJ, 749, L17

  6. SOFIA Airborne on July 13, 2010

  7. SOFIA at DAOF during Line Ops – Spring 2011

  8. Photometric Sensitivity and Angular resolution • SOFIA is diffraction limited beyond 25 µm (θmin ~ λ/10 in arcseconds) and can produce images three times sharper than those made by Spitzer SOFIA is as sensitive as ISO

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