The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Mission has a reconfigured 747 jumbo jet airplane with the most modern of telescopes in the back end of the plane. It will fly at an altitude of 40,000 ft., well above the clouds, and can stay focused on a celestial target for hours.

On September 15, 2015, Nichelle Nichols (Lt./Commander Uhura of the Starship Enterprise on Star Trek) will fly on the SOFIA Stargazing flight from California to the east coast (Nova Scotia, Canada) and back to California. It will be an 11-hour flight, with refueling in flight. During the flight, Nichelle Nichols will point the telescope in a star birthing area of the universe and answer questions submitted by students.

The DC/MD/VA Chapter of SHADES OF BLUE is co-sponsoring a SOFIA Stargazing Education Outreach Event with science, aviation, and Trekker presentations for families preceding the stargazing flight (that starts at 10:30 pm. east coast time). The presentations will be followed by communications between Nichelle Nichols and students during the SOFIA flight. Students are encouraged to submit their questions ahead of time, with their name, age, and location.

This event is being co-sponsored with Science, Mathematics, Aerospace, Research, and Technology (S.M.A.R.T.), Inc., which has been sponsoring similar Family Night Programs for special astronomical events for many years.