The Harvard College Observatory will be closed on Thursday, Nov 28 and Friday, Nov 29 for Thanksgiving Break.
Harvard College Observatory
Welcome!
The Harvard College Observatory (HCO) serves as the research hub of the Department of Astronomy at Harvard University, spearheading groundbreaking exploration into the realms of Astronomy and Astrophysics. In collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, we collectively form the prestigious Center for Astrophysics located at 60 Garden St in Cambridge, MA.
At HCO, we are deeply committed to fostering excellence in research and innovation. Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to provide our scientists with cutting-edge infrastructure and resources, enabling them to push the boundaries of knowledge in their respective fields.
Our involvement in multiple infrastructure projects worldwide underscores our unwavering dedication to advancing scientific discovery on a global scale. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, we empower our researchers to pursue ambitious projects and unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Above all, we cherish our vibrant community of individuals whose passion and expertise drive the remarkable work conducted here at the HCO. It is through their collective efforts and unwavering commitment that we continue to uphold our legacy of excellence and make significant contributions to the field of Astrophysics.
Lisa Kewley
HCO Director
Good Bye Bar
A Dedication of Service: Charlie Hickey
After over 37 years of dedicated service to the HCO/CfA, Charlie Hickey has retired on the end of last month, on September 30. As the Superintendent of Facilities for HCO, Charlie has played a pivotal role in managing the 60 Garden Street complex throughout the years. Many of us at the CfA have witnessed Charlie lead us through numerous remodels, renovations, and changes, ensuring that our facilities always met our needs.
Charlie has had an incredible career, and we wish him all the best in his retirement. We will be celebrating his remarkable contributions with a reception to be held later in October or November. Please keep an eye out for the details in upcoming CfA newsletters.
Congratulations to Charlie on an outstanding career here at the CfA.
We wish you all the best.
His retirement celebration will be held on November 20th from 3pm-7pm.
View more information here
HCO Spotlight
Attention Is Discovery
Visual artist and researcher Anna Von Mertens’s Attention Is Discovery is a fascinating portrait of Henrietta Leavitt, the remarkable woman who laid the foundation for modern cosmology, as well as an exploration of the power of looking and its revelatory role at the center of scientific discovery. Von Mertens has made many research visits to the Plate Stacks to view archival materials that inform her artistic practice, and now this outstanding account of Leavitt’s life and work.
Anna Von Mertens Recording from Harvard Book Store Science Series
Anna Von Mertens
Artist and Author
Community Outreach
Public Observatory Nights
The HCO hosts monthly Public Observatory Nights, usually scheduled for the last Thursday of selected months. Aiming to connect with local communities, ignite curiosity about the universe, and showcase our groundbreaking work.
On-Site and Off-site Outreach
The HCO offers a diverse array of on- and off-site outreach activities and initiatives. At the HCO, we extend a warm welcome to all who share our passion for astronomy, the history of the cosmos, and a genuine enthusiasm for science and community engagement.
School Visits
The HCO engages with students from kindergarten to twelfth grade in order to ignite a spark of curiosity about the universe and inspire children to dream big.
News & Events
Latest News
- CfA’s Annual Toys for Tots
CfA’s annual Toys for Tots box is now in the lobby and will be there until Thursday, December 12! Through the gift… - CfA-Wide Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet
Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet Menu Thanksgiving Day Salad A Delicious Assortment of Mixed Greens, Sliced Apples, Dried Cranberries, *Blue Cheese & Sweet… - Karin Oberg Awarded AASL’s Barry Prize for Distinguished Intellectual Achievement
Winner of the Barry Prize, 2024 The prize citation for Dr. Öberg‘s Barry Prize reads: “Karin Öberg’s research has broken new ground…