The flying telescope that’s shedding new light on the origins of life on earth
- 3 years ago
Shini Somara talks to a scientist behind the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, better known as SOFIA. Infrared imaging of stars and planets is difficult from ground-based observatories because water vapor in Earth's lower atmosphere blocks most infrared radiation. But SOFIA operates from a modified Boeing 747 and soars above this vapor to capture infrared emissions from distant galaxies.
Most recently, its infrared instruments were able to capture unique images of Comet Catalina, which detected carbon in the dusty glow of the comet’s tail; suggesting that comets like Catalina may may have delivered carbon to Earth, Mars and other planets during the early formation of the solar system.
Most recently, its infrared instruments were able to capture unique images of Comet Catalina, which detected carbon in the dusty glow of the comet’s tail; suggesting that comets like Catalina may may have delivered carbon to Earth, Mars and other planets during the early formation of the solar system.