NASA flying telescope to land in Christchurch one last time

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The NASA flying telescope, SOFIA, will land in Christchurch tomorrow morning for the final time between 1030 and 1130, depending on the timing of the final leg of its journey.

SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to carry a 2.7 metre reflecting telescope (with an effective diameter of 2.5 metres) and usually based in California.

SOFIA has spent winter months at Christchurch Airport, flying 10-hour overnight missions at 38,000-45,000 feet and above 99 per cent of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere, so astronomers on board can study the solar system and beyond in ways not possible with ground-based telescopes.

Photo: NASA

The decision to retire SOFIA comes after an evaluation as part of the National Academies' Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics 2020.

The report concluded, “SOFIA’s science productivity does not justify its operating costs.”

NASA’s decision comes as a disappointment to many, who follow the progress of the SOFIA mission.

Photo: NASA

The program has made some interesting observations over the years, including the discovery of water in parts of the Moon, temperature observations on the moons of Jupiter, and many many more.