Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) is a joint collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Center's research mission is to study the origin, evolution, and ultimate fate of the Universe, and includes searches for exoplanets and circumstellar disks.

 

Harvard College Observatory Observatory

Harvard College Observatory (HCO) is the astronomical observatory of Harvard College at Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1839. The Observatory carries out a broad program of research in astronomy and astrophysics and includes among its instruments the 0.38-meter (15-inch) "Great Refractor," installed in 1847, which for 20 years was the largest telescope in the United States. HCO is a partner in the Magellan Telescopes project and owns telescopes at Oak Ridge, Massachusetts, that are operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

 

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is a research arm of the Smithsonian Institution founded in 1890. Originally located in Washington, DC, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1955 and combined with the Harvard College Observatory in 1973 to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. The SAO owns and operates the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, jointly owns and operates the Multiple Mirror Telescope, operates the Oak Ridge Observatory (owned by HCO), and is a partner in the Submillimeter Array. It also runs the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams and the Minor Planet Center.