Eric Becklin | UCLA Physics & Astronomy

Eric Becklin | UCLA Physics & Astronomy:

 "Professor Becklin's primary focus is in the area of infrared imaging and spectroscopy. The current major efforts are the search for Brown Dwarfs (objects, which do not have sufficient mass to sustain nuclear burning, are the missing link between stars and planets), the detection of dust rings around stars that are related to planet formation, the dynamics and composition of the center of our Galaxy, and the nature of luminous infrared galaxies. The research uses UCLA instrumentation developed in collaboration with Prof. McLean, as well as facility instrumentation at the University of California's Lick and Keck (10 meter) observatories. Becklin is chief scientist and director designate of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy ( SOFIA ), which will place a 2.5m infrared telescope in a modified Boeing 747-SP. This major infrared observatory will begin operations in 2004. As part of this development, Becklin is working with Professor McLean to build an infrared test camera, which will be used to test the optical and infrared properties of SOFIA. The camera, which will be finished in 2002, will first be commissioned and used at the Lick 3-meter telescope."

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