Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory functions within the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, conducting investigations across astronomical disciplines and managing multiple research facilities.

Samuel Pierpont Langley established the observatory in 1890 as a research bureau of the Smithsonian Institution, initially focusing on solar radiation studies.

The observatory maintains extensive scientific collaborations through its joint operation with Harvard College Observatory, fostering international research partnerships and educational initiatives.

The facility operates advanced telescopes and observational equipment, including the Submillimeter Array in Hawaii and the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory in Arizona.

The observatory issued a comprehensive star catalog containing 258,997 stars, which became a reference tool for identifying artificial satellites from photographs.

Location: Cambridge

Inception: 1890

Founders: Samuel Langley

Address: 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Website: https://cfa.harvard.edu/sao

GPS coordinates: 42.38146,-71.12837

Latest update: May 18, 2025 13:48