The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is a "research institute" of the Smithsonian Institution. It is joined with the Harvard College Observatory (HCO) to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). Because these research activities share Harvard and Smithsonian staff and resources, the links at this website will take you to information posted on the "CfA" pages.

 

Weekly Science Updates

June 07, 2013The Diversity of Distant GalaxiesWith the advent of powerful space infrared telescopes like the Spitzer Space Telescope and the (recently deceased) Herschel Space Telescope, astronomers have been able to study the properties of dust in galaxies so remote that their light has been traveling towards us for over ninety percent of the age of the universe.  Read More...
May 31, 2013A Burst of Stars 13 Billion Years AgoThe universe immediately following the big bang contained mostly hydrogen and some helium. All the other elements needed to make galaxies, planets, and life were formed in stellar interiors or related processes. Read More...

More Updates >
 
 
Image Gallery
 
Support CfA
 
Current Night Sky
SAO Research

Solar Flare Icon   Stars and Planets Icon
Our Solar System   Stars, Planets & Origins
   
Galaxies Icon   Cosmology Icon
Galaxies   Cosmology
   
Laboratory Astrophysics Icon   Extreme Astrophysics Icon
Laboratory Astrophysics   Extreme Astrophysics