SOFIA
<p>Oct 15, 2011 05:11 PM
I toured SOFIA today... v cool.
 
1.8 meter mirror.
 
See my notes on Pamela Marcum... on of the princip astronomers.
Knows Ed Erickson.
 
dust = carbon and silicon particles
 
PAHs
 
sofia missions ...  in the air for 12 hours  about 3X per week at 45,000 feet... above most of atmosphere
and above troposphere.
 
astronomers are onboard while observing.
 
just characterizing the instrument... what can it do.  will be in service for 20 years.</p>