Harvard College Observatory
Welcome!
The Harvard College Observatory (HCO) serves as the research hub of the Department of Astronomy at Harvard University, spearheading groundbreaking exploration into the realms of Astronomy and Astrophysics. In collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, we collectively form the prestigious Center for Astrophysics located at 60 Garden St in Cambridge, MA.
At HCO, we are deeply committed to fostering excellence in research and innovation. Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to provide our scientists with cutting-edge infrastructure and resources, enabling them to push the boundaries of knowledge in their respective fields.
Our involvement in multiple infrastructure projects worldwide underscores our unwavering dedication to advancing scientific discovery on a global scale. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, we empower our researchers to pursue ambitious projects and unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Above all, we cherish our vibrant community of individuals whose passion and expertise drive the remarkable work conducted here at the HCO. It is through their collective efforts and unwavering commitment that we continue to uphold our legacy of excellence and make significant contributions to the field of Astrophysics.
Lisa Kewley
HCO Director
Good News Bar
Public Observatory Nights are back!
The Early 2025 Public Observatory Nights are back! Be sure to RSVP and get a seat before it’s too late! Limited seats available and sellout quick!
HCO Spotlight
Harvard Book Talks: Kelsey Johnson Presents Into the Unkown
Harvard Book Store, the Harvard University Division of Science, the Harvard Library, and the Prediction Project welcome Kelsey Johnson—Professor of Astronomy and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at the University of Virginia—for a discussion of her book Into the Unknown: The Quest to Understand the Mysteries of the Cosmos. She will be joined in conversation by Avi Loeb—theoretical physicist and Frank B. Baird, Jr., Professor of Science at Harvard University—and Peter Galison—Joseph Pellegrino University Professor at Harvard University and Director of Harvard’s Black Hole Initiative. This conversation will be moderated by Alyssa Goodman—Robert Wheeler Willson Professor of Applied Astronomy at Harvard University.
Community Outreach
Public Observatory Nights
The HCO hosts monthly Public Observatory Nights, usually scheduled for the last Thursday of selected months. Aiming to connect with local communities, ignite curiosity about the universe, and showcase our groundbreaking work.
On-Site and Off-site Outreach
The HCO offers a diverse array of on- and off-site outreach activities and initiatives. At the HCO, we extend a warm welcome to all who share our passion for astronomy, the history of the cosmos, and a genuine enthusiasm for science and community engagement.
School Visits
The HCO engages with students from kindergarten to twelfth grade in order to ignite a spark of curiosity about the universe and inspire children to dream big.
News & Events
Latest News
- Save the Date: 8th Annual Black Hole Initiative Conference
8th Annual Black Hole Initiative Conference May 21-22, 2025 Gutman Conference Center 6 Appian Way, Cambridge, MA… - 2025 Winter School on Quantum Revolution in AMO Sciences
AMO physics-based platforms and techniques are some of the most promising systems for development of quantum simulators, quantum sensors and interface… - Toys for Tots Wrapped Up!
We are thrilled to announce that our Toys for Tots drive has officially wrapped up, and we want to extend a…