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Narrator: Taking a break from its science mission flights,
the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy or SOFIA
came to NASA Ames Research Center to offer tours to employees and VIP's alike.
The observatory consists of a 100-inch or 2.5-meter diameter telescope
mounted inside a highly modified Boeing 747SP aircraft
that can fly at altitudes up to 41,000 feet above sea level.
For two days, the aircraft was opened up so that dignitaries, members of the media,
NASA employees and the general public could take self-guided tours of the aircraft.
To honor the occasion Mr. Roderick Bersamina, a member of US Congresswoman
Anna Eschoo's staff, presented a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol
in recognition of SOFIA to Ames Director Pete Worden and Dryden Deputy Director Pat Stoliker.
Another VIP in attendance was German Consul-General Peter Rothen
from the San Francisco consulate.
In addition, a tweet-up was held as a special event for a select group of about 50 people.
These tweeps, or people who frequently use Twitter, were given the opportunity
to hear presentations from SOFIA researchers, tour NASA Ames facilities
and discover the aircraft in person.
The primary goal of the SOFIA program is to use infrared observations of the universe
to further scientific knowledge in the field of astronomy and astrophysics.
SOFIA is housed at NASA's Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility in Palmdale, California
and is a cooperative effort between NASA and DLR, the German Aerospace Agency.