The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy—SOFIA—is the only airborne telescope in the world. Infrared imaging of stars and planets is difficult from ground-based observatories because water vapor in Earth's lower atmosphere blocks most infrared radiation. SOFIA operates from a modified Boeing 747, soaring above this vapor to capture infrared emissions from distant galaxies.
Homepage | http://www.amnh.org/explore/science-bulletins/(watch)/astro/documentaries/sofia-stars-and-the-space-between |
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Release Date | 2012-03-12 |
Runtime | 8m |
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