NASA: In the eye of the flying observatory the Large Magellanic Cloud

Night flights in Chilean airspace were made by the flying Stratospheric Observatory of Infrared Astronomy NASA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy – SOFIA). The flying telescope seeks to observe a small part of the universe to better understand the process of star formation.

SOFIA is a technologically advanced Boeing 747 aircraft to which a telescope has been fitted. The telescope can observe the entire infrared spectrum as it arrives in Chile this month, making its first research visit to South America, according to the APE-BPE, citing Reuters.

“We are an infrared observatory and we are filling the gap between visible light and X-rays for astronomers to study the universe,” said Ed Harmon, SOFIA’s chief operating officer.

The Great Cloud of Magellan

The main mission of the said flying observatory in Chile is to collect data on the Large Magellanic Cloud, which is one of the closest galaxies to ours. galaxy. Observing the said galaxy is made easier by Santiago’s advantageous geographical location.

The same scientific team collected data on a number of celestial bodies, which are visible only from the southern hemisphere.

Harmon said SOFIA has been mapping infrared observations for years, and he hopes recent flights to Chile can help complete the study. The two-week mission to Chile began on March 18.

“Our mission here in Chile will help us complete this proposal and I hope we will produce a very important scientific book on the Magellanic Cloud and its features in the near future,” Harmon said.