Cambridge Explores the Universe

Become an astronomer for a day! Visit the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian on Observatory Hill, and dive into our latest discoveries from across the Universe - explore the Sun, exoplanets, black holes, and so much more!

Visitors to this family-friendly open house can enjoy hands-on exploration stations and opportunities to ask our scientists all of your burning questions about space.

Ongoing Activities :

• Solar observing
• Taking telescope images with robotic telescopes
• Celestial Navigation
• Virtual Tours of the Universe
• Star Songs
• Gravity well
• Ask-An-Astronomer

Chat with our experts:

• Chandra X-Ray Observatory
• Event Horizon Telescope & Black Hole Explorer
• IAU Minor Planet Center
• AstroAI
• James Webb Space Telescope
• TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution)

Behind the Scenes:

• 1.2 M Telescope*
• Solar Wall/Solar Dynamics Observatory*
• The Great Refractor
• MircoObservatory Robotic Telescope

Immerse yourself in an exploration of the Universe – It’s out of this world!

About the Center for Astrophysics:

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is a collaboration between Harvard and Smithsonian designed to ask — and ultimately answer — humanity’s greatest unresolved questions about the nature of the universe. Founded in 1973, the CfA has sought to foster innovation and propel discovery across the universe. Today, CfA is the largest astronomy organization in the world. The CfA is dedicated to exploring, understanding and sharing the wonder of the universe with all who look up at the night sky and ask: What’s out there?

*Some activities and behind-the-scenes access have limited capacity.

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, United States