Uploaded February 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
By looking at the universe in infrared light, astronomers are able to see objects that are otherwise invisible. However, this infrared light gets absorbed by water vapor low in Earth's atmosphere.To solve this problem, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a modified Boeing 747 designed to carry an infrared telescope high above Earth's surface. SOFIA is also known for the Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors program, where groups of high school teachers are brought onto the flight to see the teamwork and process involved in scientific research. They then take this unique experience back to their classrooms.
Interviews: Dana Backman, AAA Principal Investigator, SETI Institute; Simon Steel, Senior Director of Education and STEM Programs, SETI Institute; Daniel Burleson, Rancho High School, NV; Kathryn Smith, William S. Hart High School, CA; Tyler Thompson, West Career & Technical Academy, NV; Dawn Minnick-Trujillo, Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, NV.
Free for Educational Use
4K Planetarium Domemasters and educator guides available: https://www.colorado.edu/fiske/fiske-productions
Fiske is one of the largest planetariums in the US, having served CU Boulder & the local community since 1975. We offer a diverse range of fulldome films, live talks, laser and liquid sky shows, as well as public gatherings for astronomical and NASA-related events.
Follow Fiske Planetarium:
Website | https://www.colorado.edu/fiske
Instagram | instagram.com/fiskeplanet
Facebook | facebook.com/teamfiske
By looking at the universe in infrared light, astronomers are able to see objects that are otherwise invisible. However, this infrared light gets absorbed by water vapor low in Earth's atmosphere.To solve this problem, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a modified Boeing 747 designed to carry an infrared telescope high above Earth's surface. SOFIA is also known for the Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors program, where groups of high school teachers are brought onto the flight to see the teamwork and process involved in scientific research. They then take this unique experience back to their classrooms.
Interviews: Dana Backman, AAA Principal Investigator, SETI Institute; Simon Steel, Senior Director of Education and STEM Programs, SETI Institute; Daniel Burleson, Rancho High School, NV; Kathryn Smith, William S. Hart High School, CA; Tyler Thompson, West Career & Technical Academy, NV; Dawn Minnick-Trujillo, Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, NV.
Free for Educational Use
4K Planetarium Domemasters and educator guides available: https://www.colorado.edu/fiske/fiske-productions
Fiske is one of the largest planetariums in the US, having served CU Boulder & the local community since 1975. We offer a diverse range of fulldome films, live talks, laser and liquid sky shows, as well as public gatherings for astronomical and NASA-related events.
Follow Fiske Planetarium:
Website | https://www.colorado.edu/fiske
Instagram | instagram.com/fiskeplanet
Facebook | facebook.com/teamfiske
