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The HCO provides a rich variety of off-site outreach initiatives. Beyond school visits, we prioritize accessibility by actively seeking out audiences who may face challenges in reaching us. Our commitment to engagement extends to all communities, with a particular emphasis on reaching those from low-income households and demographics traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields.
For more information on events please see the News & Events page!
Please visit our Outreach page to see our other outreach initiatives!
2024 Cambridge Science Festival – September 2024
Philippe Reekie and Scott Lucchini, a postdoctoral researcher focused on the evolution of gas around galaxies, led a public engagement exhibition at the 2024 Cambridge Science Festival. At their booth, they engaged the public in discussions about cutting-edge space science research taking place at the CfA and used a gravity well demonstration to illustrate gravitational effects in space, star formation, and orbital mechanics. They also shared fascinating insights about black holes, complemented by interactive computer simulations that highlight the challenges of precision in spacecraft orbital placement. Additionally, they showcased the rich history of the HCO, emphasizing the groundbreaking achievements of its pioneering women, who continue to inspire the next generation of astronomers.
Summer Solstice 2024: Night at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture – June 2024
An extraordinary night unfolded at the 2024 Summer Solstice Celebration at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture! Coordinated by the dedicated Wendy Derjue-Holzer, the Education Director of the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and featuring the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, and the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East. It was a resounding success. Philippe Reekie enthralled the audience with a 6-foot-wide Gravity Well demonstration, vividly showcasing the mechanics of gravity in space.
Alongside him, Ernesto Camacho Iniguez, a pre-doctoral fellow at the CfA and a passionate black hole researcher, illustrated the chaotic effects of black holes on orbiting objects, the extreme warping of spacetime, star formation and the thrilling prospects of time travel. Together, Philippe and Ernesto led around 3,000 guests on a mesmerizing visual journey through a warped universe.
To all the young minds and aspiring scientists, stay curious, dream big, and reach for the stars.
2024 NASA Red Sox STEM Day – June 2024
Red Sox STEM Education Day at Fenway Park featured an exhibition of various missions, projects, and demonstrations of space science concepts, along with presentations from the Center for Astrophysics (CfA), NASA, and other space science agencies. 3,000+ students and their teachers from ~50 schools across the Boston area attended this public engagement event. The CfA’s Science Education Department (SED) led and coordinated an exciting and inclusive environment for budding young scientists. SED showcased the incredible work being done at the CfA, inspiring the next generation of researchers and innovators. On behalf of the HCO, Philippe Reekie captivated audiences by demonstrating how gravity warps the fabric of space using a gravity well concept. In addition, Thom Burns of the Harvard Plate Stacks captivated children by showcasing the renowned astronomy glass plates featuring our historic women astronomers from Harvard. Afterwards, participants enjoyed a Red Sox game with their school community, coworkers, classmates, family, friends, and neighbors (the Red Sox won!).
This event would not have been possible without the contributions of the following individuals – you are all outstanding! A huge thank you to Erika Wright, Frank Sienkiewicz, Thomas Burns, Kayleigh MacDonald, Samantha Joyce, Julia McGehean, Elijah Berk-Silverman, Gav Spano, Tingting Reid, Rongxiu Wu, Ernesto Camacho Iniguez, Carl Barcroft, Morgan Macleod, Keara Carter, and Philippe Reekie.
The Great American Solar Eclipse 2024 – April 2024
On April 8th, Cambridge, MA, found itself enveloped in a cloak of darkness, courtesy of a once-in-a-generation solar eclipse that momentarily obscured our radiant star. The spectacle was nothing short of mesmerizing, etching itself into the memories of all who beheld this coincidental wonder of our Solar System. The streets and parks filled with onlookers, all equipped with their eclipse glasses and pinhole projectors, eagerly awaiting the rare celestial event. As the moon gradually moved across the sun, a collective gasp of awe rippled through the crowd, underscoring the shared human fascination with cosmic phenomena. The eclipse not only provided a stunning visual experience but also served as a reminder of the intricate and awe-inspiring mechanics of our Solar System. This extraordinary event brought the community together, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe we inhabit.
