Located at the Palmdale Regional Airport, this is the most-of-the-year home to SOFIA — the Stratospheric Obeservatory for Infrared Astronomy. SOFIA is an observatory built into a modified Boeing 747 (hence the hint).
SOFIA has a wide ranging mission, from studying the composition of planetary atmostpheres and surfaces to mapping out the chemistry of the interstellar medium. It is also involved in the expansion of STEM education through outreach to educators around the world.
Those who spotted the plane before the hint:
- hhgygy
- Phil Ower
- Andy McConnell
- Paul Voestermans
- Garfield
- Andreas Meister
- Lighthouse
- Eloy Cano
- Martin de Bock
- Graham Hedley
- Bas van Limpt
and after the hint:
- Robin
- Gillian B
- Jesus Rodriguez
- David Kozina