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.
HCO Spotlight
Cambridge Explores the Universe!
Congratulations and many thanks to the nearly 100 members of our CfA community who volunteered to make the September 28th Cambridge Explores the Universe event possible. Over 800 individuals registered to spend their Saturday delving into the mysteries of the universe with us. Among the many activities spread out around the 60 Garden Street Complex, visitors were able to: peek through telescopes and solar viewers to catch a glimpse of the Sun, go behind the scenes and tour a number of our on site telescopes and operations centers, make bracelets of UV sensitive beads, experience a planetarium show, and of course talk to our many experts and ask their burning questions. This year also featured special guests from the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum who invited our visitors to touch rocks from both the Moon and Mars.
Special thanks go to the several group, instrument and department organizers who marshaled the efforts of their respective groups. Every volunteer showed up with a smile on their face to provide our visitors with a fun-filled experience exploring our universe!
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-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… - Spark 2024 – STEM Fair in Dorchester – October 2024
On October 25th, Philippe Reekie and astronomer Ernesto Camacho Iñiguez organized and facilitated a space science engagement booth in Dorchester. Together,…