The Sky at Night Season 2018 Episode 11 - Telescope on a Plane!

Airdate: 2018-Dec-09

Episode summary:

In this special programme, the Sky at Night takes to the air on board the largest airborne observatory in the world - a specially modified jumbo jet, flying out of California. This extraordinary aircraft is home to a 17-tonne telescope that observes the galaxy from around 40,000 feet. This telescope - called SOFIA - specialises in infrared astronomy. It can peer into the heart of a galaxy through the dust and gas, and see how stars form. It's designed to answer some of the biggest questions in astronomy: why aren't more stars being created and how do planets form?

About The Sky at Night series:

Our team of astronomers tell us what's on view in the night sky. From comets to quasars, there is always something fascinating to discuss in t...Show more >