I was very excited about today's presentation because I love the idea of space and in most cases, it is way over my head.  Dan Ruby, Director of the Fleischmann Planetarium, spent the morning explaining the Science Behind SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy), and so much more. 

Studying the universe using only visible light results in a very limited view. Astronomers observe many other types of "light" to expand our views of the universe. SOFIA is designed to observe the infrared universe. SOFIA is the largest airborne observatory in the world, capable of making observations that are impossible for even the largest and highest ground-based telescopes. During its planned 20-year lifetime, SOFIA also will inspire the development of new scientific instrumentation and foster the education of young scientists and engineers.