Astrophysics Center Combines Harvard, Smithsonian Resources

Harvard's Center for Astrophysics (CFA) uses the University's connections with other entities to perform research on the cutting edge of astronomy.

The CFA, which is formed out of a partnership between the Harvard College Observatory (HCO) and the Smithsonian Institute's Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), is dedicated, according to the information on its Web site, "to pursue studies of those basic physical processes that determine the nature and evolution of the Universe."

Although the two institutions have had a close relationship since 1955, when the SAO relocated to Cambridge, the CFA was not officially established until 1973.

"It makes a much richer environment for learning," says Professor of Astronomy Robert P. Kirshner '70, explaining that the collaboration provides job and research opportunities for both graduates and undergraduates and adds significantly to Harvard's Astronomy Department.

About 200 Smithsonian and Harvard scientists cooperate in astrophysical research, according to the Web site.

The relationship with a "quasi-governmental" organization like the Smithsonian allows professors and students unusual possibilities for research, Kirshner says.

"NASA operates a significant number of astronomical things like the Hubble Space Telescope," says Kirshner. "People here, because they are active scientists, are really engaged in using the instrument."

In addition to using his access to the Hubble Space Telescope for research, Kirshner says he also brings the information into his Core class, Science A-35, "Matter in the Universe," so undergraduates can also glean the benefits of this information.

Harvard affiliates can also work with the Smithsonian on major research projects like the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), a satellite that Kirshner calls "the X-ray equivalent of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Although the SAO and the HCO are run separately, there is a lot of overlap and cooperation between the two organizations, according to Harvey D. Tananbaum, director of the AXAF Science Center and former associate director of the CFA.

"Any given division could have members from both Harvard and the Smithsonian who are interested in a common project," says Tananbaum. "It really functions incredibly well as a research entity."

However, Tananbaum said there have been some minor problems in the relationship.

"Harvard's been uncooperative about providing adequate space," says Tananbaum, noting that some future jobs may go to MIT students because of location difficulties.

But Tananbaum emphasizes that in general the two organizations reap mutual benefits from the collaboration.

"Harvard brings the vitality of an educational institution," says Tananbaum, citing the freshness and excitement of the students as one of the main attractions for the Smithsonian of the main attractions for the Smithsonian of the cooperative project.