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Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) science rationaleSOFIA, a proposed 3-meter class telescope in a Boeing 747 aircraft, would have the ability to make astronomical observations over a wavelength range from 0.3 microns to 1.6mm. Relative to the KAO (Kuiper Airborne Observatory) the larger telescope on SOFIA would provide a factor of 10 improvement in sensitivity for compact sources and a factor of 3 improvement in (diffraction-limited) angular resolution at wavelengths beyond 30 microns. In addition, SOFIA will retain the major features of the KAO which have made the airborne astronomy program so successful. Among these are continuous in-flight access to focal plane instruments while flying at or above 41,000 ft altitude; pointing stability of 0.2 arcseconds; and mobility and scheduling flexibility to accommodate targets of opportunity such as comets, eclipses, occultations, and novae.
Document ID
19900024212
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Davidson, Jacqueline A.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Erickson, Edwin F.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Subject Category
Astronomy
Meeting Information
Meeting: Cryogenic Optical Systems and Instruments III
Location: San Diego, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: August 17, 1988
End Date: August 19, 1988
Sponsors: SPIE
Accession Number
90A11267
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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