In touch with the stars
Facts and figures
SOFIA’s major discoveries
- In 2017, SOFIA confirms the existence of a solar system that resembles ours. It’s 10.5 light years away.
- In 2015, thanks to its flexibility, SOFIA is on the spot when, during a rare occultation, Pluto throws a fleeting shadow onto the Pacific, and gathers new findings about the small planet.
- Astronomers use SOFIA to investigate the magnetic field in the middle of our Milky Way and begin to understand the differences between active and quiet black holes.
- In 2019, thanks to SOFIA, the existence of the helium-hydride ion in space is proven for the first time. Our entire idea of the evolution of chemical elements and life the way we know it is based on the existence of this type of molecule in the universe.
- In 2020, SOFIA discovers water bound in the Moon’s surface in an area exposed to sunlight that is 120 °C (248 °F) hot. The amount of water discovered corresponds to the contents of an 0.33-liter (12-oz) can dispersed on a football field.
SOFIA’s heart
The 17-metric ton (18.8-short ton) telescope in the tail section is the most important passenger on board. It was made in Germany.
(1 ) A tri-mirror system (primary mirror diameter: 2.7 m/8.9 ft, weight: 750 kg/1,650 lbs.) that (2) is mounted in a carbon fiber cage captures infrared radiation from space and deflects it to (3) the flange-mounted measuring instrument. Variations between six different instruments are possible, depending on the research purpose. A pressure bulkhead separates from the cabin the mirror elements exposed to the atmosphere. (4) A ring with 24 pneumatic spring-damper elements isolates the mounting bracket of the telescope from the aircraft’s vibrations. The actual bearing (5) is a hydrostatic, spherical plain bearing from Schaeffler (diameter: 1.2 m/3.3 ft, weight: 600 kg/1,323 lbs.). It provides isolation as well and ensures movability. In addition, twelve motor segments help orient and track the telescope so that external disturbance forces are compensated for. The whole interaction works so well that a laser pointer mounted to the telescope could accurately target and hit a coin on the ground from an altitude of 12 kilometers (39,370 ft).