Public Events

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) hosts a variety of free programs for the public. Among these events are Observatory Nights, sponsored by the Harvard College Observatory, which feature a nontechnical lecture and telescopic observing from the observatory roof, if the weather permits. These lectures are intended for high-school age and older audiences but children are also welcome. Admission is free; however, tickets are limited and seating is on a first-come basis. These events are held in Phillips Auditorium, 60 Garden St., Cambridge, about one mile west of Harvard Square. Parking lots marked for Observatory staff are open to the public on event nights. Parking is free.

For more information, including accessibility, or to sign up for our events mailing list, please email obsvnight@cfa.harvard.edu.

Cambridge Explores the Universe

Saturday, September 28 | 12 - 4:00 pm ET
Located at the CfA 60 Garden Street Complex

Become an astronomer for a day! Visit the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian on Observatory Hill, and dive into our latest discoveries of the Universe. Visitors can enjoy exploration stations that include hands-on activities, telescope tours, solar observing, and so much more! Take your own telescope images using our robotic telescopes, go on a virtual tour of space using the World Wide Telescope visualization lab, or explore the history of our women astronomical computers with the Harvard Plate Stacks.

Hear about some of the latest discoveries from the sun, exoplanets, black holes, and more directly from our experts. There are even opportunities to ask our scientists all of your burning space questions at our "Ask an Astronomer" tables.

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

Cambridge Explores the Universe has experiences for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages!

*Some activities and tours have limited capacity.

The link to the registration page is available here (where people can, but don't have to rsvp).

A flyer is available for download here.

Enjoy our catalog of previous Public Observatory Nights at our YouTube channel, including this featured presentation on NASA's Parker Solar Probe.