http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lMXAOc4FQA

The big plane with the infra red telescope in that video  is going to
be based in Christchurch for 3 weeks next July

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 A refrigerated telescope aboard a Boeing 747 sounds like pie in the
sky but it's coming to Christchurch this winter to delve into the
depths of the universe.

Christchurch's southern latitude, its often clear night skies, its
long airport runway and the relatively empty airspace have made it
irresistible to the scientists involved in a new flying observatory.

Sofia - the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy - is due
to land, and take off, and then land and take off quite a few more
times, over a three-week period from July 12. 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/8500671/Flying-observatory-in-Chch-for-winter


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Patrick