Sears Tower – Harvard Observatory

Sears Tower–Harvard Observatory is a historic astronomical observatory at 60 Garden Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the oldest surviving portion of the Harvard College Observatory complex.

About Sears Tower – Harvard Observatory

Now forming part of the observatory's Building A, the Sears Tower is a square brick structure with a projecting cornice and a Greek Revival entrance framed by pilasters, designed by architect Isaiah Rogers.

History

Construction was completed in 1843, making it the oldest part of the Harvard Observatory site. Its dome originally housed a 15-inch telescope, state of the art for its era. The tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 in recognition of its architectural and scientific history.

Telescopes & research

Today the tower is used by Student Astronomers at Harvard-Radcliffe, who operate the site as part of Harvard's broader observatory campus, continuing its long connection to hands-on astronomical work.

Location & getting there

The tower sits at 60 Garden Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the heart of the Harvard University area, easily reached as part of a visit to the wider Cambridge/Boston region.

Visiting Sears Tower – Harvard Observatory

As a student-operated facility, access is generally tied to Harvard's own events and student programming. Check with Student Astronomers at Harvard-Radcliffe or Harvard College Observatory for any public open nights before visiting.

See your named star from here

A tower that has watched the sky since 1843 is a fitting place to think about a star named in someone's honour, its coordinates fixed and ready to be found through any capable telescope. Browse the star catalogue to see the stars available.