SOFIA: The Boeing 747 SP transformed flying observatory NASA

A Boieng SP 747, a short version of the four-engine, has been transformed by NASA and the German Space Agency of the flying observatory a door to the rear fuselage area including through.

In flight, the door opens to reveal an infrared telescope with a mirror diameter of 3 meters. The telescope is surrounded by a cover that isolates the vibration of the plane.

The need for such an observatory is that it is difficult to observe the universe with an infrared telescope because of the water vapor that blocks light. At an altitude of 12,000 to 13,000 meters, scientists can avoid 99% of the water vapor in the atmosphere.