Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
	The Center for Astrophysics \| Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) Headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) has been joined with the CfA since 1973.
Abbreviation	SAO
Established	1890
Purpose	Research in astronomy, astrophysics, Earth, and space sciences
Headquarters	60 Garden Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Director	Lisa Kewley
Staff	850+
Website	www.cfa.harvard.edu

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.