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Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is a research institute of the Smithsonian Institution, concentrating on astrophysical studies including galactic and extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, solar, earth and planetary sciences, theory and instrumentation, using observations at wavelengths from the highest energy gamma rays to the radio, along with gravitational waves.  Established in Washington, D.C., in 1890, the SAO moved its headquarters in 1955 to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where its research is a collaboration with the Harvard College Observatory (HCO) and the Harvard University Department of Astronomy. In 1973, the Smithsonian and Harvard formalized the collaboration as the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) under a single Director.

Abbreviation

SAO

1890

Research in astronomy, astrophysics, Earth, and space sciences

60 Garden Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Lisa Kewley

850+

www.cfa.harvard.edu

1890–1906[8]

Samuel Pierpont Langley

1906–1942[8]

Charles Greeley Abbot

1942–1955[8]

Loyal Blaine Aldrich

1955–1973[8]

Fred Lawrence Whipple

1973–1982[8] (with the creation of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in 1973, the director of SAO and the Harvard College Observatory became a joint position)

George B. Field

1982–2004[8]

Irwin I. Shapiro

2004–2022[9]

Charles R. Alcock

2022–present[10]

Lisa Kewley

Margaret Sordahl

List of astronomical societies

Media related to Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory at Wikimedia Commons

SAO homepage

Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian

42°22′53″N 71°07′42″W / 42.38146°N 71.12837°W / 42.38146; -71.12837