Sears Tower – Harvard Observatory

Sears Tower at Harvard Observatory is a brick building on the campus housing astronomical instruments and research facilities. The structure contains an archive of roughly 500,000 astronomical photographic plates.

The observatory was founded in 1839 and received its first major telescope in 1847, which held the title of largest in the United States for two decades. This early equipment established Harvard as a leading center for astronomical observation.

The observatory became known for employing female astronomers who advanced stellar classification and shaped how scientists study the stars. Their contributions remain foundational to modern astronomical methods.

The site sits on Harvard's campus in Cambridge and is accessible as part of the campus grounds. Visitors should follow campus access guidelines and check visitor hours before planning a visit.

In 1850, the site achieved the first daguerreotype of a star, Vega, through collaboration between William Bond and photographer John Adams Whipple. This pioneering work marked the dawn of astrophotography and demonstrated how visual artistry could advance astronomy.

Location: Cambridge

Part of: Harvard College Observatory

GPS coordinates: 42.38146,-71.12837

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:01