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Source-This post on SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) has been created based on the article “Water detected on the surface of an asteroid for the 1st time ever” published in “LIVE SCIENCE” on 16 February 2024.
Why in the news?
Scientists have recently detected water molecules on the surface of two asteroids using the data from SOFIA airborne observatory.
About SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy)
| Aspect | Details |
| Description | It is the world’s largest airborne astronomical observatory, complementing NASA’s space telescopes as well as major Earth-based telescopes. |
| Operated by | It is operated jointly by NASA and the German space agency. |
| Objective | It was used to make observations of complex molecules, new solar systems, and planets in the solar system |
| Key features | 1) It was a telescope mounted on a Boeing 747 SP aircraft. It used infrared light to observe the universe. 2) It could fly into the stratosphere at 38,000-45,000 feet, putting it above 99 percent of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere. This allowed the astronomers to study the solar system and beyond. 3) It could observe the universe in the widest range of infrared light. 4) The airplane is capable of ten-hour flights, with flight paths chosen to keep ahead of the sunrise and maximize the amount of darkness. 5) Its ease of mobility allowed researchers to make observations from almost anywhere in the world. This enabled studies of transient events that often take place over oceans, where there are no telescopes. |
| End of mission | It was cancelled in 2022 due to its high cost and inadequate scientific output. |
What is an asteroid?
Description-They are small, rocky objects that orbit the sun. They are leftovers from the formation of our solar system
Size-They are much smaller than planets. . From being as small as 10 meters across to as huge as 530 km in diameter, asteroids have varied sizes.
Read more about-NASA’s Artemis Mission
UPSC Syllabus-Science & technology.
