8th Annual Black Hole Initiative Conference May 21-22, 2025 Gutman Conference Center 6 Appian Way, Cambridge, MA…

AMO physics-based platforms and techniques are some of the most promising systems for development of quantum simulators, quantum sensors and interface technologies. Much of this progress owes to the fact that AMO systems can be precisely controlled, and precisely characterized. This school will provide pedagogical and advanced graduate level introduction to some of the topics…

We are thrilled to announce that our Toys for Tots drive has officially wrapped up, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed. Your generosity has made a significant impact, bringing joy and smiles to children in need this holiday season. Thanks to your support, we were able to collect…

On Nov 21, Philippe Reekie hosted an Astrobiology-themed Public Observatory Night, celebrating one of the most thought-provoking topics in space science. After a brief introduction where Philippe highlighted his own contributions to the search for life on Mars, the event began with a compelling talk by Jenny Calahan. Jenny’s presentation focused on building habitable worlds…

CfA’s annual Toys for Tots box is now in the lobby and will be there until Thursday, December 12! Through the gift of a new toy or book, the Toys for Tots program brings the joy of gifts and sends a message of hope to America’s disadvantaged children. Join our partnership with HUPD and the U.S Marine Corps in…

Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet Menu Thanksgiving Day Salad A Delicious Assortment of Mixed Greens, Sliced Apples, Dried Cranberries, *Blue Cheese & Sweet Candied Pecans served with Apple Cider Dressing *Cheese and nuts served on the sideVEGAN/GLUTEN FREE OPTION Turkey Carving Station Stuffed Mini Acorn Squash Acorn Squash stuffed with Quinoa, Apple, Cranberries, Onions, Celery, and Sage…

Winner of the Barry Prize, 2024 The prize citation for Dr. Öberg‘s Barry Prize reads: “Karin Öberg’s research has broken new ground in our knowledge of the stars, while reminding us of the wonder and beauty that inspire scientific inquiry. Her pioneering observations of the molecular composition of protoplanetary disks have revolutionized our understanding of the…

On October 25th, Philippe Reekie and astronomer Ernesto Camacho Iñiguez organized and facilitated a space science engagement booth in Dorchester. Together, they connected with students from a school where 98% identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), creating an inviting space for them to explore the universe and envision futures in STEM….

On October 24th, 2024, Philippe Reekie, our Outreach Manager, hosted a Comet-Themed Public Observatory Night. The evening began with two incredible talks by Michael Rudenko and Mike Alexandersen, titled “Comets, Kings, and Curious Things” and “Planetary Defense: How Ready Are We for a Potential Impact?” respectively. The idea for the theme came from Rudenko, as…

Harvard Astronomy graduate student Claire Lamman has been named as a recipient of the NAS Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications.  Claire is one of 3 grad student winners across all science fields! The citation reads: “Claire Lamman makes complex topics accessible with creativity and innovation. Her use of unique and…

Clara Verges joined the CMB group in November of 2020 to contribute to data analysis for the BICEP/Keck series of experiments located at the South Pole. BICEP/Keck currently leads the field in making the most sensitive measurements of the polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background, with the goal of constraining inflation, a hypothetic phase of…

Congratulations to Harvard Astronomy professor Ashley Villar, who has been awarded a 2024 Packard Fellowship! The David and Lucile Packard Foundation announced today the 2024 class of Packard Fellows for Science and Engineering, who will each receive $875,000 over five years to pursue their research. This year’s class of Fellows are pushing the boundaries of…

A wonderful day was spent at View Boston with our keynote speaker, Lee Rubin! We all got together and spent the day enjoying a continental breakfast to start. Followed by an engaging and inspiring talk from Lee Rubin. After his talk, we enjoyed an amazing lunch! Then we set out to see the view of…

Last month we had our annual staff and faculty retreat! This year, we decided to keep things local and host our retreat right here in the courtyard. We all had an excellent time conversing amongst each other while enjoying lobster. A bright and sunny day spent enjoying seafood and mingling amongst ourselves! Overall a really…

ITAMP is 35 Years old! On May 16 – 17, 2024, ITAMP celebrated in style the 35th anniversary of ITAMP in Cambridge. There were two days of scientific discussions, a poster session, and working lunches. The dinner was held at the Harvard Faculty Club. There were more than 55 fellows in attendance. …

Last month, on May 9th and 10th, the ITC celebrated their 20th anniversary with a series of talks from a wide array of speakers from around the world. For their talks, please see the ITC Youtube and their playlist for talks related to their 20th celebration….

A successful afternoon event at the Science Center! Many people gathered to the Science Center to enjoy watching the solar eclipse. The event offered different ways to view the eclipse! Through a telescope with a solar film, solar eclipse glasses, pinhole boxes, and through sonification by the LightSound Project!…

Solar Eclipse Sonification The LightSound Device, made by Harvard scientists, a device meant to give the blind and low vision community a means to experience the solar eclipse uniquely by sound. With the solar eclipse coming up in just over a week. This device comes in perfect timing! Read more about it in the LightSound…

Valentine’s Day Toiletries Drive! It’s time for the annual Harvard Valentine’s Day Toiletries Drive! Help support Cambridge’s YWCA by donating unused and unopened toiletries, cosmetics, and menstrual hygiene products. Donations will be accepted through Monday, February 12th.  The Donation Table is in the CfA Lobby, please feel free to leave donations in the bin provided. For the donations themselves, please…

Spring 2024 Public Observatory Nights SAVE THE DATES! We are excited to announce that Observatory Nights are back! Starting Monday, February 26 then every last Thursday of the month during Spring, we plan to host Observatory Nights open to the public! We have a special guest attending on Apr 25, David Ibbett, who will perform a…

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 14! Through the gift of a new toy or book, the Toys for Tots program brings the joy of gifts and sends a message of hope to America’s disadvantaged children.Join our partnership with HUPD…

Gratitude in Action: A Stellar Success in Community Giving! We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every individual who generously contributed to this year’s Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian Community Giving initiative. Your support has made a profound impact, and together, we’ve achieved an outstanding outcome. Through collaborative efforts,…

Lunch at the North Pole Today we had our themed Lunch at the North Pole event! We had a wonderful time with everyone. Enjoying plenty of food and deserts until we were left stuffed! Afterwards, we gathered for a Yankee Swap! Exchanging gifts amongst each other. Happy Holidays!…

Cambridge Community Center Donations Stop by our lobby to donate some items to the Cambridge Community Center to help those in need! Our goal is to donate up to 10 boxes! Feel free to reach out to Madelin (madelin.nova@cfa.harvard.edu) or Taylor (taylor.salvato@cfa.harvard.edu) if you have any questions. Please keep in mind that donations are not mandatory….

Massachusetts STEM Week During Massachusetts STEM Week, we celebrated remarkable women in astronomy from across the galaxy. Enjoying a dynamic lecture on exciting applications of astronomy, exploring a captivating exhibition in the Great Refractor, engaged in family-friendly STEM activities, and capped off the night with fall refreshments and stargazing with the Clark Refractor Telescope. Featuring:*…

Go grab your breast Cancer Awareness support items in the lobby!…

Astronomers’ results bolster hypothesis of how galaxy evolved….

Broekgaarden develops an algorithm that can speed up the search for black holes by more than 100 times faster….

Many Helping Hands Mother’s Day Project Announcing our May – Many Helping Hands Mother’s Day Project! Join us in donating these much needed items to the Mother’s Day Project. Donation Tables will be made available in the Lobby at 60 Garden Street. All donations must be collected by Thursday, May 4th. A list of desired items are mentioned below,…