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At the heart of the Harvard College Observatory (HCO) beats a deep commitment to community outreach and the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Leading this charge is Philippe Reekie, the Communication and Outreach Manager at the HCO. Philippe’s dedication knows no bounds as he orchestrates a wide array of outreach initiatives, from delivering captivating science stories to showcasing the incredible people and research conducted at the HCO.
With a background as a space science researcher himself, Philippe’s journey is deeply personal. He is driven by a profound desire to make science accessible to all, breaking down barriers and opening doors to the wonders of the universe. Philippe’s mission is clear: to ignite curiosity and wonder in individuals, foster critical thinking, champion underrepresented voices in science, and above all, inspire everyone to reach for the stars.
At the HCO, our doors are wide open to all, embracing diverse audiences with open arms. From inquisitive young minds to seasoned professors seeking to reignite their love for the cosmos, we stand committed to fostering a community where everyone feels valued and inspired.
The HCO hosts Public Observatory Nights, usually scheduled for the last Thursday of selected months. Philippe Reekie orchestrates these events expertly, aiming to connect with local communities, ignite curiosity about the universe, and showcase our groundbreaking work. Please visit our Events page to see the next Public Observatory Night.
These events feature guest speakers who are passionate about sharing captivating science stories in accessible language, fueled by their own experiences and offering insights into their research. Each event is typically themed around celestial objects visible in the night sky on the day of the event. In addition to talks, Philippe often surprises his audience with special guest performances or activities, such as science-themed musical shows and interactive science booths.
Later in the evening, guests are escorted onto the HCO’s rooftop, where an arsenal of high-powered telescopes and an army of astronomers await their arrival, eager to show off the cosmos.
Philippe Reekie is the driving force behind our engaging school visits program, where he connects with students from kindergarten to twelfth grade. The HCO is on a mission to make science not just educational, but downright exhilarating, igniting a spark of curiosity about the universe and inspiring children to dream big.
We proudly aim to break stereotypes on who can be a scientist and demonstrate that passion and curiosity have no boundary. With uplifting and interactive talks, along with dynamic science workshops, our objective is to leave a lasting impression on every young mind we encounter. Together, we’re reaching for the stars and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
The HCO offers a diverse array of on-site outreach activities. These include guided tours showcasing our illustrious Great Refractor Telescope, exclusive viewings of our renowned glass plate collections, engaging events honoring influential women in Harvard’s astronomical legacy, and rooftop stargazing sessions. Our on-site outreach endeavors are boundless in both variety and scope. 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.
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.