SOFIA FAQs

If it looks like there is an problem with the data itself, check the Catalog of Known Data Product Issues.

Question not answered?

Email the helpdesk: sofia_help@sofia.usra.edu

FAQs

• FAQs
  • HAWC+
    • Is there a standard HAWC+ PSF?
    • What is the default orientation of the angle for the magnetic fields lines in HAWC+ data?
  • GREAT
    • What is the size of the honeycomb map?
    • How do heterodyne instruments work?
    • What is the different between brightness temperature and radiation temperature?
    • How do I get from brightness temperature to flux density?
    • What do the GREAT filenames mean?
  • EXES
    • How do I get an absolute flux calibration of EXES data?
  • FORCAST
    • Why are the USPOT exposure times higher than before (before Cycle 10)?
    • How can we check for memory/persistence issues?
    • Should I worry about saturating the FORCAST detector?
    • How do I find the on-sky angle of the FORCAST grism slit?
    • What is the FORCAST photometric uncertainty?
    • Has a COMA aberration correction been done on the data?
    • Is there a ghost in my data?
    • How many dithers do I need for photometry?
    • Can subtract the PSF from my image?
  • FIFI-LS
    • How to get an upper limit on a FIFI-LS detection?
    • Should I use FIFI-LS or GREAT for [CII]?
    • What is the beam/psf size of FIFI-LS?
    • What is the pixel size of FIFI-LS data?
  • The Data and Data Analysis
    • What is the boresight?
    • What is the best way to access the FITS header information?
    • How to get the PWV from the header
    • What version of redux was used to reduce my data?
    • What do the quality assurance comments mean, and should I be worried?
    • How do I find out if the data products are the raw or calibrated files?
    • I can’t tell if my detection is real or noise, what can I do?
  • The Observatory
    • Where can I access the SOFIA filter curves?