Shini Somara talks to a scientist behind the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, better known as SOFIA. Infrared imaging of stars and planets is difficult from ground-based observatories because water vapor in Earth's lower atmosphere blocks most infrared radiation. But SOFIA operates from a modified Boeing 747 and soars above this vapor to capture infrared emissions from distant galaxies.<br /><br />Most recently, its infrared instruments were able to capture unique images of Comet Catalina, which detected carbon in the dusty glow of the comet’s tail; suggesting that comets like Catalina may may have delivered carbon to Earth, Mars and other planets during the early formation of the solar system.<br />
