9.08.2022
NASA's flying telescope SOFIA has flown over Christchurch one last time today before it leaves the city for good.
SOFIA's flight crew made a test flight over the city from about 12.30pm on Monday to check out the aircraft after recent repairs.
The flight plan meant residents across the city and parts of the South Island were able to see, and definitely hear, the iconic 747SP fly over.
The flyover went from Sumner to Cathedral Square, over Hagley Park, and back to Christchurch Airport.
SOFIA will then leave the city for good about noon on Thursday when the crew make their way home to California via Hawaii.
For 10 years the aircraft has helped scientists collect data that would be missed by a telescope on the ground - but it was being shut down as new technology supersedes it.
NASA project scientist for the SOFIA mission Naseem Rangwala said Ōtautahi had become a home away from home for the California-based aircraft.
"Christchurch has played a big role in SOFIA's scientific success, and that will remain forever. Our team has formed very deep friendships and relationships with the people of Christchurch," she said.
This was SOFIA's seventh trip here, where it would spend 32 nights off the ground.
The plane takes 10-hour trips at a time, flying above 39,000 feet to surpass 99 per cent of the Earth's infrared-blocking atmosphere.
Its recent final mission had a special focus on mapping magnetic fields in the Milky Way, alongside a range of other celestial phenomena - something that's made possible by the local climate.
Quelle: NZ Herald