The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge sponsors free programs for the public on the third Thursday of every month. "Observatory Nights" feature a nontechnical lecture and telescopic observing from the observatory roof if weather permits. The lectures are intended for high-school age and older audiences but children are also welcome. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis. Doors open at 7:00 pm; programs begin at 7:30 pm. Parking is free.

Thursday, May 17, 2007 A Black Hole Ate My Car Keys, Roy Gould, CfA Black holes are some of the most mysterious and bizarre objects in the universe. Tough to study and tougher to understand, they continue to fascinate scientists and non-scientists alike. And more is learned about them all the time. Roy Gould is leading the effort to develop a new museum exhibit on black holes with the working title "The Black Hole Experiment Gallery." He will review what we know about black holes, including the latest remarkable discoveries. Then, he will discuss how this knowledge is incorporated into entertaining and educational displays that teach museum visitors about these extreme gravitational monsters.  

Observatory Nights are held in the Phillips Auditorium at the CfA, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, about 1 mile west of Harvard Square. No reservations are necessary, but seating is limited to the auditorium's capacity. Entrance is at the west of the CfA complex, near Madison Street and large parking lot. The CfA is easily reached by public transportation. From the Harvard MBTA Station (Red Line), take any bus or trackless trolley going west on Concord Avenue (Arlmont Village and Belmont Center buses, Huron Avenue trolleys) and get off at "Observatory Hill." Additional directions are available.

For more information, including accessibility, or to sign up for the events mailing list, call the Public Affairs Office, (617) 495-7461 or email pubaffairs@cfa. Please request sign-language interpretation at least 2 weeks before the event. Current sky information is available.