Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 65

NASA / CARLA THOMAS

The 747's cockpit, updated from the 1978 original, is an orderly
array of gauges and controls for the plane's operation.

Senior editor Kelly Beatty made his ﬁrst ﬂight on SOFIA's
predecessor, NASA's Kuiper Airborne Observatory, in 1988.

S&T: J. KELLY BEATTY (2)

last year the Obama administration proposed mothballing
the plane for an undeﬁned period beginning in ﬁscal
2015 as a part of overall budget-tightening at NASA. The
space agency even started looking for other agencies to
take over SOFIA's operation. But supporters in both the
House and Senate countered with $70 million in extra
funding to ensure that NASA keeps the ﬂights coming for

another year. DLR oﬃcials were understandably relieved.
However, the scrutiny continues. In July 2014, NASA's
Oﬃce of Inspector General investigated the program's
operational challenges and recommended 10 changes.
For example, the OIG found there's not enough planning
for future technological upgrades, no mechanism for
rescheduling missed opportunities (such as the U Mon
and NGC 3501 targets on my ﬂight), and a backlog of
undelivered observations after ﬂights are over (example:
Marchis is still waiting for his Pallas data).
Meanwhile, Hertz plans to launch a "senior review" of
the SOFIA program this year. Outside experts will look at
ways to maximize the science return. "Hours cost money,"
Hertz explains, "and the right choice might be to ﬂy fewer
hours." They'll also explore ways to restructure AURA's
operations contract, which expires next year. Most critically,
they'll assess SOFIA's scientiﬁc relevance when judged
against other agency programs and funding needs.
But Hertz also emphasizes that SOFIA gives astronomers regular access to a little-explored slice of the
electromagnetic spectrum. Seven instruments are in the
observational rotation now, and two more (one German,
one American) will be in the mix by the end of next year.
"We have not stopped moving forward," he insists. With
luck - and steady funding - this one-of-a-kind ﬂying
observatory will still be soaring into the stratosphere 20
years from now. ✦

The aircraft's roomy but cold and noisy cabin has workstations for four speciﬁc tasks: the ﬂight manager and science planner (seated at lower right);
astronomers (far left); telescope operators (just left of center); and instrument control (right of center). Everyone faces aft toward the pressure bulkhead
and telescope compartment (upper right). Some astronomers choose to come aboard to oversee their observations. The lucky ones get to take their data
early and then catch up on sleep after SOFIA turns to view other targets.

Sk yandTelescope.com April 2015

65

http://www.SkyandTelescope.com

Sky and Telescope - April 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sky and Telescope - April 2015

Contents
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - Cover1
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - Cover2
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 3
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - Contents
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 5
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - A
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - B
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 6
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 7
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 8
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 9
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 10
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 11
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 12
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 13
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 14
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 15
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 16
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 17
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 18
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 19
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 20
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 21
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 22
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 23
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 24
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 25
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 26
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 27
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 28
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 29
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 30
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 31
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 32
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 33
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 34
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 35
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 36
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 37
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 38
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 39
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 40
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 41
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 42
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 43
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 44
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 45
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 46
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 47
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 48
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 49
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 50
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 51
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 52
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 53
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 54
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 55
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 56
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 57
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 58
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 59
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 60
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 61
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 62
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 63
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 64
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 65
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 66
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 67
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 68
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 69
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 70
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 71
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 72
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 73
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 74
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 75
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 76
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 77
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 78
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 79
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 80
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 81
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 82
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 83
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 84
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 85
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - 86
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - Cover3
Sky and Telescope - April 2015 - Cover4
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202501
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202412
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202411
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202410
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202409
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202408
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202407
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202406
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202405
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202404_qr
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202404
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202403
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202402
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202401_aus
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202401
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202312_aus
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202312
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202311
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202310
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202309
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202308
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202307
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202306
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202305
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202304_qr
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202303
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202302
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202301
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202212
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202211
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202210
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202209
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202208
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202207
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202206
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202205
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202204
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202202
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202201
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202111
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202110
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202109
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202108
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202107
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202106
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202105
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202104
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202103
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202101
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/skywatch_2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202009
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202008
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202007
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202006
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202005
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202004
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202003
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202002
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_202001
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201912
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201911
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201909
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201908
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201907
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201906
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201905
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201904
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201903
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201902
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201901
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201812
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201811
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201810
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201808
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201807
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201806
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201805
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201804
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201803
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201802
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201801
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201712
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201711
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201710
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201709
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201707
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201706
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201705
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201704
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201703
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201702
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201701
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201612
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201611
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201610
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201609
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201608
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201606
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201605
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201604
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201603
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201602
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201601
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201512
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201511
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201510
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201509
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201508
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201507
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201505
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201504
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201503
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201502
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201501
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201412
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201411
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201410
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201409
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201408
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201407
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201406
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_mars
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201405
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201404
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201403
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201402
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201401
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201312
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201311
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201310
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201309
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201308
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201307
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201306
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201305
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201303
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201302
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201301
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201212
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201211
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201210
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201209
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201208
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201207
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201206
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201205
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201204
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201202
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201201
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201111
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201110
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201109
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201108
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201107
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201106
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201105
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201104
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201103
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201101
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201009
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201008
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201007
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201006
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201005
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201004
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201003
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201002
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aas/st_201001
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com