18 April 2013

Speaker: Eric Becklin (UCLA)

Title:Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA): Overview and The First Science Results

Abstract:The joint U.S. and German Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), to develop and operate a 2.5-meter infrared airborne telescope in a Boeing 747SP, has obtained first science with the FORCAST camera in the 5 to 40 micron spectral region, the GREAT heterodyne spectrometer in the 130 to 240 micron spectral region and the HIPO occultation visible photometer. An overview of the Observatory and telescope will be presented. The infrared images and spectra reveal several discoveries and show the potential for determining how massive stars form in our Galaxy. A very successful occultation of Pluto with HIPO will be described. Future observing opportunities and participation in future instrument developments, over the 20 year lifetime of the observatory will be discussed.

Video of the Presentation (Talks can be viewed with RealPlayer. Free download is available from www.real.com )