CfA 1.2 m Millimeter-Wave Telescope

The CfA 1.2 m Millimeter-Wave Telescope is a radio telescope mounted on the roof of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge that observes carbon monoxide emissions from molecular clouds. The instrument detects radiation in the millimeter-wave range to study the structure and distribution of gas throughout the Milky Way.

The telescope was built at Columbia University in 1974 and relocated to the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in 1986. The move enabled better collaboration with other facilities and enhanced its observational capabilities.

Twenty-four doctoral dissertations emerged from research conducted with this telescope, contributing substantially to astronomical education and scientific advancement.

The telescope is not open to public visits as it sits on a rooftop with restricted access. Those interested can view the building from outside and learn more about the instrument and its research through the museums and visitor centers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

The instrument works alongside a twin telescope in Chile to create extensive maps of the Milky Way. This international partnership made it possible to discover previously unknown spiral arms in our galaxy.