Sears Tower – Harvard Observatory

The Sears Tower at Harvard Observatory contains astronomical instruments and research facilities within a brick structure in the Cambridge campus complex.

Established in 1839, Harvard Observatory installed its first major telescope in 1847, which remained the largest in the United States for two decades.

The observatory employed numerous women astronomers who made fundamental contributions to stellar classification and astronomical research methods.

Located at coordinates 42.381461, -71.128369, the National Historic Landmark provides research facilities and maintains an archive of 500,000 astronomical plates.

The site achieved the first daguerreotype of a star, Vega, in 1850 through collaboration between William Bond and photographer John Adams Whipple.

Location: Cambridge

Part of: Harvard College Observatory

GPS coordinates: 42.38146,-71.12837

Latest update: September 23, 2025 14:25