Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
 Exterior view of the CfA. | |
| Established | 1973 |
|---|---|
| Mission | To advance knowledge and understanding of the universe through research and education in astronomy and astrophysics |
| Director | Charles R. Alcock |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States |
| Address | 60 Garden St. |
| Website | Official website |
The Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) is one of the largest and most diverse astrophysical institutions in the world, where scientists carry out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics, earth and space sciences, and science education. The center's mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of the universe through research and education in astronomy and astrophysics.
The center was founded in 1973 as a joint venture between the Smithsonian Institution and Harvard University. It consists of the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The center's main facility is located between Concord Avenue and Garden Street, with its mailing address and main entrance at 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Beyond this location there are also additional satellite facilities elsewhere around the globe. The current director of the CfA, Charles R. Alcock, was named in 2004.[1] The director from 1982 to 2004 was Irwin I. Shapiro.[2]
Ground-based observatories
- Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory
- Magellan telescopes
- MMT Observatory
- South Pole Telescope
- Submillimeter Array
- 1.2-Meter Millimeter-Wave Telescope
- Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS)
Space-based observatories
- Chandra X-ray Observatory
- Hinode
- Kepler
- Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)
- Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)
- Spitzer Space Telescope
Plans
- Giant Magellan Telescope
- Murchison Widefield Array
- Square Kilometer Array
- Pan-STARRS
- Large Synoptic Survey Telescope
- Constellation-X Observatory
Directors
- George B. Field: 1973–1982
- Irwin I. Shapiro: 1982–2004
- Charles R. Alcock: 2004–Present
Funding sources
In FY2010, expenditures by funding source were as follows:
- NASA: 70%
- Smithsonian federal funds: 22%
- National Science Foundation: 4%
- United States Department of Energy: 1%
- Annenberg Foundation: 1%
- Gifts and endowments: 1%
- Other: 1%
Trivia
The asteroid 10234 Sixtygarden is named after the Center's address.[3][4]
References
- ↑ "Alcock to lead the CfA: Astrophysicist noted for 'dark matter' studies to take helm at observatories". Harvard Gazette. 2004-05-20. Retrieved 2007-12-25.
- ↑ "Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Celebrates 25 Years". Harvard University Gazette. 1998-10-15. Retrieved 2007-02-26.
- ↑ "(10234) Sixtygarden". Klet Observatory. 1999-11-23. Retrieved 2007-12-25.
- ↑ "Discovery Circumstances: Numbered Minor Planets (10001)-(15000)". Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams (CBAT) and Minor Planet Center (MPC). Retrieved 2007-12-25.
External links
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Coordinates: 42°22′53″N 71°07′42″W / 42.38146°N 71.12837°W