This document summarizes early science results from observations with the FORCAST instrument on the SOFIA airborne observatory. It describes some of the challenges of installing and operating the instrument on the plane. The science flights conducted so far have been very successful, with many publishable results from programs studying topics like planetary science, star formation, and the interstellar medium. Images from SOFIA observations show improvements over previous ground-and space-based infrared images.

1. SOFIA Early Science
with FORCAST
Some Quick-Look Results -
Terry Herter, FORCAST P.I.
Cornell University
TLH: 08-Jun-11

2. Experiences flying on SOFIA
 Early science observations with SOFIA
 From preparations to installation to science
 It has been both challenging and rewarding
 We are part of a making a highly complex system
work
 But, of course, that is the point (to push new
boundaries)
 At every stage things have worked better than
(I) expected
Herter DAOF media day 2

3. Installation on the plane
 Installing PI rack & getting FORCAST into plane
Herter DAOF media day 3

4. FORCAST on the telescope
 Positioning FORCAST  Cryogen transfers on
to mount on telescope the plane
Herter DAOF media day 4

5. 19.7 µm
Example: from previous
to the present
20 µm (Palomar) 31.5 µm
30 µm (KAO) 37.1 µm
50 µm (KAO)
 Above left: Spitzer composite image at 3.6, 4.5, and 8.0 µm of
W3 (Ruch et al. 2007). Middle: 20 µm image from Wynn-
Williams, et al. 1972 and FIR images from Werner et al. 1980.
Right: Images from SOFIA

6. Results
 Science flights have been highly successful.
 3 Short Science and 10 Basic Science have lots of
publishable results
 Wide range of programs covering planetary
science, star formation, stellar evolution, the
interstellar medium, and others.
Herter DAOF media day 6