Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is a research institute of the Smithsonian Institution, now based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and one of the most wide-ranging astrophysics research centres in the United States.

About the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

SAO's research spans galactic and extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, and solar, earth, and planetary sciences, together with theory and instrumentation. Its observations cover the full range of the electromagnetic spectrum, from the highest-energy gamma rays down to radio wavelengths, and extend to gravitational waves. Since 1973, SAO's collaboration with the Harvard College Observatory has been formalized as the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), operating under a single director.

History

SAO was established in Washington, D.C., in 1890, and moved its headquarters to Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1955, where its research became a close collaboration with the Harvard College Observatory and the Harvard University Department of Astronomy.

Location & getting there

The observatory is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the Boston metropolitan area. Use the map and directions on this page to plan a visit to the site.

Visiting the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

As a research institute rather than a public visitor attraction, checking the official website at cfa.harvard.edu/sao before travelling is the best way to confirm any public programmes or tours currently on offer.

See your named star from here

Telescopes and instruments in the SAO's network can be pointed at the exact coordinates of any star, meaning a star named through Star Register can be located using its right ascension and declination. Look up a named star's position in the star catalogue.