Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy

#131 among destinations in New Zealand

Observatories and planetariums

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy

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Facts and practical information

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy is an 80/20 joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center to construct and maintain an airborne observatory. NASA awarded the contract for the development of the aircraft, operation of the observatory and management of the American part of the project to the Universities Space Research Association in 1996. The DSI manages the German parts of the project which are primarily science- and telescope-related. SOFIA's telescope saw first light on May 26, 2010. SOFIA is the successor to the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. During 10-hour, overnight flights, it observes celestial magnetic fields, star-forming regions, comets, nebulae, and the galactic centre. ()

Alternative names: Coordinates: 43°29'22"S, 172°31'55"E

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CanterburyNew Zealand

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Day trips

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Orana Wildlife Park, International Antarctic Centre, Air Force Museum of New Zealand, Riccarton Rotary Market.

3.8 miW
Nature and wildlife, Park, Zoo
Orana Wildlife Park, Christchurch
97 min walk • Orana Wildlife Park, set amidst the natural beauty of Christchurch, New Zealand, is an open-range zoo that offers an immersive experience into the world of wildlife conservation. As the only open-range zoo in the country, Orana provides a unique opportunity to get up...
0.8 miE
Specialty museum, Museum, Science museum
International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch
20 min walk • The International Antarctic Centre is located in the suburb of Harewood, Christchurch, New Zealand, close to Christchurch International Airport. It is one of the major tourist attractions of the city.
4.1 miS
Museum, Specialty museum, Event space
Air Force Museum of New Zealand, Christchurch
104 min walk • The Air Force Museum of New Zealand, formerly called The Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum, is located at Wigram, the RNZAF's first operational base, in Christchurch, in the South Island of New Zealand.
2.8 miS
43°31'48"S • 172°32'28"E
Riccarton Rotary Market, Christchurch
73 min walk • Shopping, Flea market, Market
3.6 miSE
43°32'14"S • 172°33'32"E
Kings Swim School, Christchurch
91 min walk • Watersports, Swimming pool, Swimming
2 miSW
Museum, Specialty museum, Science museum
Yaldhurst Museum, Christchurch
52 min walk • The Yaldhurst Museum is located in the suburb of Yaldhurst, Christchurch, New Zealand, close to Christchurch International Airport, Riccarton Race Course and Ruapuna Speedway. The museum has a large collection of road transport vehicles, and it opened to the public in 1968.
2.6 miS
43°31'39"S • 172°32'13"E
Riccarton Park Golf Complex, Christchurch
68 min walk • Golf, Mini golf, Outdoor activities
4.1 miE
City, Area
Papanui, Christchurch
104 min walk • Papanui is a major suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is situated five kilometers to the northwest of the city centre. Papanui is a middle socio-economic area with a population of 3,645 consisting predominantly of Pākehā 86.9%, Asian 7.6%, Māori 5.3%, Pacific peoples 3.1%, Middle Eastern/Latin American/African 0.7%.
3.6 miNE
43°27'46"S • 172°35'38"E
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch
92 min walk • Aquarium, Park, Nature and wildlife
3.4 miSE
Theater
Ngaio Marsh Theatre, Christchurch
88 min walk • The Ngaio Marsh Theatre is a theatre at the University of Canterbury Students' Association in Christchurch, New Zealand.
3.7 miE
Church
St Paul's Anglican Church, Christchurch
96 min walk • St Paul's Anglican Church is a Category II listed heritage building in the Christchurch, New Zealand suburb of Papanui.