SOFIA mid-infrared image of the planetary nebula M2-9, also known as the Butterfly Nebula. The SOFIA data show the infrared glow from solid particles condensing in gas flowing in two directions away from the dying Sun-like star in the center. (RGB = 37, 24, 20 microns; NASA / DLR / USRA / DSI / FORCAST team / M. Werner et al. / A. Helton, J. Rho). Read more.
SOFIA Science Featured in Astronomy & Astrophysics Special Edition
The European journal Astronomy & Astrophysics issued a special edition on May 10 with papers about observations made with SOFIA and the German-built GREAT far-IR heterodyne spectrometer. Read more.
SOFIA Science Featured in The Astrophysical Journal Special Edition
The FORCAST mid-infrared camera (P.I. Terry Herter, Cornell University) mounted on the SOFIA telescope's instrument flange. (NASA / FORCAST team)
The Astrophysical Journal, a leading U.S. astronomy research publication, issued a special edition of its Letters volume on April 20 with papers about observations made with SOFIA. The infrared images analyzed in these papers were obtained with the FORCAST (Faint Object Infrared Camera for the SOFIA Telescope) instrument during SOFIA's first science observations in December 2010. Read more.
In May the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics will publish a special edition containing papers regarding data gathered on SOFIA flights using the GREAT far-IR heterodyne spectrometer. Click here to go to a Max Planck Institute web page listing those articles.
SOFIA Scientists' Paper Highlighted by The Astronomical Journal
Margaret M. Hanson, associate editor-in-chief of The Astronomical Journal, cited three recent scientific papers that highlight the diversity of research being conducted by the Galactic community.
One of the featured papers detailed research by James M. DeBuizer, SOFIA instrument scientist, and William D. Vacca, SOFIA senior science advisor, into the mystery of "Green Fuzzy" emissions in star-forming regions. DeBuizer and Vacca's research paper (Direct Spectroscopic Identification of the Origin of "Green Fuzzy" Emission in Star-forming Regions) was presented at the 219th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, held in January 2012 in Austin, Texas.
NASA Selects Science Instrument Upgrade for Flying Observatory
NASA has selected a science instrument upgrade to the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) airborne observatory. The instrument, the High-resolution Airborne Wideband Camera (HAWC), will provide a sensitive, versatile and reliable imaging capability to the SOFIA user community. The upgrade involves two proposals that will allow the observatory to measure the structure and strength of magnetic fields in diverse objects throughout the universe, such as star-forming clouds and galaxies. This will help astronomers better understand how stars, planets and galaxies form and evolve. More information.
Science Bulletins: SOFIA: Stars and the Space Between
The American Museum of Natural History has launched SOFIA: Stars and the Space Between, an 8-minute video that will play at the museum for the next six months. It's also available on YouTube.
Science Bulletins is a production of the National Center for Science Literacy, Education, and Technology (NCSLET), part of the Department of Education at the American Museum of Natural History.
SOFIA Featured in Video Series
SOFIA is the subject of the new "Destination Innovation" video series produced at NASA Ames. Episode 2, "Window to the Hidden Universe," was produced by the Ames Video team with support from the Dryden Public Affairs video staff.
The video is available on YouTube and VMIX.
SOFIA was also recently featured on the Science Channel's "Meteorite Men" series. Look for Series 3, Episode 8 "Pultusk." The SOFIA feature begins about 35 minutes into the program.
The American Museum of Natural History has launched SOFIA: Stars and the Space Between, an 8-minute video that will play at the museum for the next six months. It's also 
SOFIA is the subject of the new "Destination Innovation" video series produced at NASA Ames. Episode 2, "Window to the Hidden Universe," was produced by the Ames Video team with support from the Dryden Public Affairs video staff.
The video is available on 
