Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

The Harvard - Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics ( CfA ) consists of the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. It has its headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The center was founded in 1973 as a joint venture between the Smithsonian Institution and Harvard University. It is now considered one of the greatest astrophysical centers of the world. Role of the organization is to advance knowledge and understanding of the universe through research and education in astronomy and astrophysics. From 1982 to 2004 Irwin I. Shapiro was director of the CfA, since 2004 it is run by Charles R. Alcock.

377315
de