Conference

The HAWC+ instrument aboard SOFIA has opened the way to the exploration of magnetic fields on dusty sources, through polarization measurements at mid- and far-IR wavelengths. We will describe the data from two large HAWC+ Legacy programs, SALSA (PI Lopez-Rodriguez) and FIELDMAPS (PI Stephens). SALSA datasets are putting together a comprehensive empirical picture of the magnetic field strength and structure in multiphase ISM, based on a sample of 15 nearby galaxies.

The SOFIA Archival Research Program (SARP) is now open for proposals to fund research projects primarily using SOFIA data, with a deadline of Jul 8, 2022. The purpose of this program is to encourage the use of available SOFIA archival data and to realize the full potential of the SOFIA archive. We will present the policies and mechanics of the open funding call, and highlight a selection of public datasets

This summer, new SOFIA observations will provide the final data to Legacy Programs using the GREAT heterodyne instrument for ISM exploration: HyGAL (PIs Neufeld and Schilke) and FEEDBACK (PIs Tielens and Schneider). HyGAL is a spectroscopic survey towards the Galactic plane, targeting hydride molecules (OH+, H2O+, ArH+, SH, OH, CH) within the diffuse ISM. FEEDBACK focuses on kinematic maps of the environment of massive stars, offering a big-picture look at the stars' mechanical and radiative feedback on the ISM.

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Due to impacts to the aircraft’s schedule, all tours scheduled for Monday, January 7-Wednesday, January 9, are cancelled.

AAS attendees will have the opportunity to tour the SOFIA aircraft and learn more about the observatory at Boeing Field, six miles away from the Washington State Convention Center. Tickets may be obtained at the SOFIA booth in the AAS exhibit hall. The tour is open to registered AAS guests. Non-U.S. citizens must provide proof of citizenship. 

SOFIA provides the international community with open access to mid- and far-infrared observations with a broad range of instruments, as well as a unique platform for instrument and technology development. 

The Town Hall will discuss several important new developments for the observatory including: 

This session brings together the latest studies of magnetic fields in star forming regions and the galactic environment, with a goal of better understanding the role of magnetic fields shaping interstellar matter into the observed filaments, funneling atoms and molecules to enhance star formation efficiencies, and supporting clouds against collapse.