What? SOFIA is NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy – a modified 747SP aircraft that carries a 2.5-meter, 17-ton infrared telescope.

Where? Florida’s Daytona Beach International Airport and the adjacent Embry-Riddle campus, as part of SOFIA’s first scientific mission to be flown over the Atlantic Ocean.

Why? The purpose of the SOFIA mission will be to observe Triton – the largest moon of Neptune – as it passes by and conceals or “occults” a star called UCAC4 410-143659. This type of event is best captured by a mobile research facility such as SOFIA, high above the clouds.

Who? Tours offered exclusively to Embry-Riddle students, faculty and staff.

When? SOFIA arrived October 2, tours took place October 4, observation missions took place the night of October 6. Read more about the mission here.