SMITHSONIAN ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) was established in 1890 as a research unit of the Smithsonian Institution concentrating on studies of solar radiance. Sixty-five years later, SAO assumed responsibility for establishing an optical network for tracking the first artificial satellites. From this pioneering effort, the size and scope of SAO grew with the international space program to include major research in virtually all branches of astrophysics, as well as in areas of earth and planetary sciences.

Since 1955, when its headquarters moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, SAO has pursued such research in close collaboration with the Harvard College Observatory (HCO) and the Harvard University Department of Astronomy, with many staff members holding joint appointments. On July 1, 1973, the Smithsonian Institution and Harvard University formalized their collaboration as the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) to coordinate the related research activities of the two observatories under a single director. Today the observatories retain their separate identities, each responsible to its parent organization; however, the joint venture draws on the coordinated strengths of the two organizations and the combined staffs in six research divisions: Atomic and Molecular Physics; High Energy Astrophysics; Optical and Infrared Astronomy; Radio and Geoastronomy; Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Sciences; and Theoretical Astrophysics. In addition, the CfA has a department devoted to science education.

Facilities
Observational facilities include the multipurpose Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO) on Mt. Hopkins in Arizona and the Submillimeter Array Telescope (SMA) on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, the latter a collaboration with the Academia Sinica’s Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics of Taiwan. The major instrument on Mt. Hopkins is the 6.5-m-diameter optical telescope of the MMT Observatory, a facility operated jointly with the University of Arizona. SAO scientists have developed and deployed a suite of advanced wide-field imagers and spectrographs for the MMT. In addition, SAO operates a 10-m gamma-ray airshower Cerenkov telescope on Mt. Hopkins and is the founding member of the VERITAS collaboration to build an array of similar telescopes there. Also located at the FLWO are: the Peters Automated Infrared Imaging Telescope (PAIRITEL), a 1.3-m infrared telescope (formerly the northern 2MASS telescope, now operated by SAO); a 1.2-m imaging optical/infrared telescope, and the 1.5-m Tillinghast spectroscopic telescope. FLWO is also home to HAT, the Hungarian Automated Telescope, a completely automated set of small aperture telescopes that search for transiting extra-solar planets; four HAT telescopes are at FLWO, and two are at the SMA site in Hawaii. Other SAO instruments include AST/RO (Antarctic Submillimeter Telescope and Remote Observatory) – a 1.7-m submillimeter telescope – located at the National Science Foundation Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, where current programs focus on spectroscopic observations of atomic and molecular clouds in the Milky Way and other galaxies.

In addition to these SAO-operated facilities, the Center for Astrophysics has a 20% share of the twin 6.5-m Magellan telescopes operated by a five-institution consortium headed by the Observatories of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. Not least, SAO/CfA is involved in the development of both the 20-m Giant Magellan Telescope, with its partners in the Magellan consortium and others, and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope.

Special laboratories are maintained for the development of telescope instrumentation; for the spectroscopy of atoms and molecules; and for the petrologic and mineralogic studies of meteorites and lunar samples. A 1.2-m radio telescope on the roof of the Observatory in Cambridge is used for the study of molecular clouds and the structure of the Milky Way through the spectral lines of CO and other molecules.

SAO instrumentation is also operating in space. The Chandra X-ray Observatory operated by SAO for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – carries the SAO-designed X-ray telescope and the SAO-designed and -built High Resolution Camera (HRC), which is used to study X rays from high-energy regions of the Universe. The Spitzer Space Telescope uses SAO’s Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) as its 310 micron camera for the study of both the very deep, early universe and the formation of stars and planets locally. SAO’s Ultraviolet Coronograph Spectrometer (UVCS) is one of a suite of instruments onboard the International Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft. Other space missions include SAO’s Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) and SAO-developed instruments onboard NASA’s Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) spacecraft.

Numerous facilities serving the general scientific community are located at the CfA in Cambridge. The Institute for Theoretical Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, established in 1988 to attract and encourage talented graduate students to enter this field, emphasizes theoretical study of fundamental questions in atomic and molecular physics, hosts many visitors, both long- and short-term, and conducts conferences and workshops. The Center for X-ray Technology, established in 2003 as a collaborative effort with other institutions, promotes the development of detectors and optics leading to space telescope applications, including X-ray interferometers. The Institute for Theory and Computation (ITC), also hosted by the CfA, is dedicated to research in high-end astrophysical computing. The ITC consists of members of the Harvard Department of Astronomy, Smithsonian astrophysicists, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and associates at other institutions.

Other services at SAO include the International Astronomical Union’s Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams and the Minor Planet Center, both of which disseminate information on astronomical discoveries worldwide. The United States’ gateway for SIMBAD, an international astronomical computer database, is also located at the Cambridge site, as is Harvard’s extensive collection of astronomical photographic plates, the largest in the world. In addition, SAO conceived, developed, and now operates the Astrophysics Data System (ADS), funded by NASA. This service includes on-line access to more than 4.2 million abstracts of articles in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, space instrumentation, and space physics. Full-text on-line journals are also available. The HITRAN database of molecular parameters for transmission through and emission from planetary atmospheres is maintained at SAO for more than 5000 users worldwide. SAO participates in the National Virtual Observatory (NVO) and the International Virtual Observatory (IVOA) collaborations, whose aims are to implement improved connectivity between the various astronomical data archives in the world.

SAO, on behalf of NASA, serves as the site of both the Chandra X-ray Observatory Science Center (CXC) and the Chandra Operations and Control Center, the latter of which conducts Chandra flight operations on an around-the-clock basis. The CXC develops and oversees the General Observer program for this mission, as well as calibrates, manages, and distributes data received from Chandra.

The CfA’s library, which includes the SAO collection as well as that of HCO, is available to the staff and to visitors. Located near the center of a community of universities, government agencies, and corporate scientific enterprises, SAO investigators enjoy access to a variety of facilities and counsel, and they may avail themselves of opportunities to pursue academic interests within the community. Smithsonian staff and their Harvard colleagues at the CfA publish more than 500 papers each year in internationally known journals.

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

RESEARCH STAFF

ALCOCK, Charles Roger, Director, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics; Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University. B.Sc. (1972) Auckland University (New Zealand); Ph.D. (1977) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Large astronomical surveys; outer solar system; cosmic dark matter; astronomical data mining; virtual observatory technologies.

Research Programs

The scientific objectives of the CfA are intentionally flexible so that response to new research opportunities can be prompt and effective. By design, the research programs reflect the strongest areas of the two observatories and concentrate in fields where the contribution to national goals and scientific excellence can best be realized. These broad objectives are pursued by the six major divisions as follows:

ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS

Quantitative information about atomic and molecular processes required for interpreting astronomical observations is obtained from combinations of laboratory and theoretical studies. Laboratory research includes high-resolution vacuum ultraviolet through infrared spectroscopy, stored light experiments in quantum optics, radio spectroscopy of molecules containing long carbon chains and rings, and measurements of dielectronic recombination and electron impact excitation. Fundamental precision measurements to test time-reversal symmetry-violating phenomena and applications of new magnetic resonance imaging techniques using spin-polarized noble gases are pursued. Tests of general relativity and the underlying equivalence principle use laboratory experimental techniques as well as radio observations of solar-system objects, spacecraft, and quasars and measurements of the round-trip timing of laser pulses sent to the Moon. The development of precise laser-based distance measurement techniques supports both the equivalence principle work and future space missions.

Theoretical research with applications to astrophysics includes calculations of atomic and molecular structure, cross-sections for recombination and molecular collisional processes, photoionization, photodissociation, charge transfer, and the interactions between matter and anti-matter. These studies are used in the Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMP) division to explain the characteristics of X rays stemming from interactions of comets with the flux of ions and electrons streaming from the Sun (the solar wind), to examine the distributions of energetic atoms in atmospheres of the terrestrial planets, to develop new radiative transfer tools for the modeling of planetary atmospheres, and to measure and model photochemistry and pollution in the Earth's atmosphere. AMP is a worldwide center for the development and archiving of fundamental spectroscopic parameters of molecular gases. These data are employed for calculations of transmittance and radiance for the Earth's atmosphere and for astrophysics. The Institute for Theoretical Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, funded for over 15 years by the National Science Foundation, is situated in the AMP division. The main goals of the Institute are to educate both students and postdoctoral fellows in theoretical AMO Physics, to maintain a world-class visitor program, and to organize and support workshops in forefront areas of AMO Physics research.

RESEARCH STAFF

BABB, James F., Physicist. A.B. (1982) Oberlin College; M.S. (1986), Ph.D. (1988) New York University. Research specialties: Applications of atomic and molecular physics to astrophysics and atmospheric physics; molecular structure; long-range forces.

CHANCE, Kelly V., Senior Physicist; Associate Director, Atomic and Molecular Physics Division, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. B.S. (1970) University of Hawaii; A.M. (1972), Ph.D. (1977) Harvard University. Research specialties: Molecular spectroscopy, structure, and dynamics and their application to atmospheric studies; laboratory spectroscopy and balloon-, aircraft-, and satellite-borne measurements of the Earth's atmosphere; atmospheric composition and radiative transfer.

DALGARNO, Alexander, Senior Physicist; Phillips Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University. B.Sc. (1947), B.S. Advanced Studies (1948), Ph.D. (1951) University College, London; D.Sc., Hon. (1982) Queen's University of Belfast; D.Sc., Hon. (2000) York University (Canada). Research specialties: Theoretical atomic and molecular physics; chemical physics; interstellar medium; astrophysical plasmas; early universe; atmospheric physics.

GARDNER, Larry D., Physicist. B.S. (1971) University of South Carolina; M.Ph. (1973), Ph.D. (1978) Yale University. Research specialties: Physics of the solar corona and generation of the solar wind; observations of the solar atmosphere from Earth-orbiting spacecraft; excitation and recombination of ions following electron impact; electron transfer between highly charged and/or highly energetic ions and neutral atoms and molecules.

KHARCHENKO, Vasili A., Physicist. M.Sc. (1974) Politechnic Institute (Leningrad); Ph.D. (1978), D.Sc. (1988) Ioffe Physico-Technical Institute (St. Petersburg). Research specialties: Atmospheric physics; atomic collision theory.

KIRBY, Kate, Senior Research Physicist; Director, Institute for Theoretical Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. B.A. (1967) Harvard College; M.A., Ph.D. (1972) University of Chicago. Research specialties: Theoretical calculations of molecular structure and properties; studies of molecular processes, such as photoionization, photodissociation, autoionization, and dissociative recombination; studies of molecules and molecular processes in interstellar clouds.

KUROSU, Thomas P., Physicist. Diplom (1991) Johannes Gutenberg Universitat (Mainz, Germany); Ph.D (1997) University of Bremen. Research specialties: Atmospheric chemistry and physics; remote sensing; air-quality monotoring from space; radiative transfer and retrieval theory; cloud radiative transfer modeling; retrieval of trace gases and clouds from satellite remote sensing instruments; detection of polar stratospheric clouds.

MAIR, Ross W., Physicist. B.App.Sc. (1990), Ph.D. (1996) Swinburne University of Technology (Melbourne, Australia). Research specialties: Use of highly spin-polarized noble gases and other agents with nuclear magnetic resonance or magnetic resonance imaging for biomedical imaging, molecular imaging and materials science studies..

MCCARTHY, Michael C., Physicist. B.Sc. (1986) University of Alaska; Ph.D. (1992) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Astrochemistry; laboratory astrophysics of reactive molecules; microwave and laser spectroscopy.

PHILLIPS, James D., Physicist. B.S. (1975) University of Michigan; Ph.D (1983) Stanford University. Research specialties: Laboratory experiments on gravity; space-based astronomical optical instruments; measuring glacier motion with laser ranging.

PHILLIPS, David Forrest, Physicist. B.S. (1988) California Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1996) Harvard University. Research specialties: Development and applications of atomic clocks; precise tests of fundamental physical laws; quantum optics.

REASENBERG, Robert D., Physicist. B.S. (1963) Polytechnic University (Brooklyn); Ph.D. (1970) Brown University. Research specialties: Tests of General Relativity, especially laboratory and space-based tests of the Equivalence Principle; solar-system dynamics and planetary gravity; astrometry; space- and ground-based astronomical optical interferometry; terrestrial and celestial applications of laser distance measurement; planetary system detection and study..

ROTHMAN, Laurence S., Physicist. B.S. (1961) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; A.M. (1964), Ph.D. (1971) Boston University. Research specialties: Molecular spectroscopy; HITRAN (high-resolution transmission) database compilation.

SADEGHPOUR, Hossein R., Physicist. B.S. (1981), M.S. (1983), Ph.D. (1990) Louisiana State University. Research specialties: Atomic and molecular collisions and spectroscopy; formation and collision of cold antihydrogen and protonic atoms, quantum mechanical interference effects; rydberg collisions; absorption and scattering of light for astrophysical applications, coherent control and manipulation on the nanoscale, coherent light interaction with nanotubes, ultracold collision of dipolar systems.

WALSWORTH, Ronald L., Senior Physicist. B.S. (1984) Duke University; Ph.D. (1991) Harvard University. Research specialties: Development of atomic clocks; precise tests of fundamental physical laws; slow and stored light and quantum information processing; biomedical imaging and spectroscopy; studies of porous and granular media; searches for extrasolar planets.

WANG, Huiqun, Physicist. B.S. (1997) University of Science and Technology, China; Ph.D. (2004) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Martian atmospheric chemistry and meteorology; planetary science; chemical transport models; GCM.

AFFILIATED RESEARCH STAFF

SMITH, Peter L., Research Associate, Harvard College Observatory. B.S. (1965) University of British Columbia; Ph.D. (1972) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Instrumentation for ultraviolet solar spectroscopy and radiometry from satellites; probabilities of allowed and forbidden ultraviolet transitions of atoms and molecules of astrophysical and aeronomical interest.

HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS

Research in this division focuses mainly on astronomical objects and processes that emit energy as X-rays, which includes most classes of astronomical objects. Observations are made from spacecraft, notably the Earth-orbiting Chandra X-ray Observatory, which the division operates for NASA's "Great Observatories" program. The Division's scientific studies are directed at a broad range of topics, including the processes that generate X-rays, the structures and interactions of astronomical objects, and the role of X-ray emission in cosmology and in the evolution of astronomical objects. Work includes developing new X-ray optics and detectors (concentrated mainly in the CfA's Center for X-ray Technology); participating in and observing with a variety of space astrophysics missions; operating data centers; developing information systems; operating the Chandra science center and carrying out Chandra flight operations; and conducting education and public outreach programs.

RESEARCH STAFF

ALDCROFT, Thomas L., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1987) California Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1993) Stanford University. Research specialties: X-ray constraints on the intergalactic medium; quasar absorption line systems; quasar multiwavelength spectral energy distribution.

BOOKBINDER, Jay A., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1979) Harvard College; Ph.D. (1985) Harvard University. Research specialties: X-ray and radio astronomy; nonthermal activity in stellar atmospheres.

BRISSENDEN, Roger J., Associate Director, High Energy Astrophysics Division, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics; Manager, Chandra X-ray Center. B.S. (1985) University of Adelaide; Ph.D. (1989) The Australian National University. Research specialties: Multiwavelength studies of active galactic nuclei; BL Lac objects; Science Center and Mission Operations..

BURKE, Douglas, Astrophysicist. B.Sc. (1992), M.Sc. (1993) Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (London); Ph.D. (1997) University of Durham. Research specialties: Galaxy clusters; observational cosmology; extragalactic astronomy.

BUTT, Yousaf, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1989) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; M.S. (1991), M.Phil. (1993), Ph.D. (1998) Yale University. Research specialties: Nuclear astrophysics; gamma-ray astronomy; cosmic-ray physics.

CHAPPELL, Jon H., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1972) University of Louisville; Ph.D. (1981) University of New Hampshire. Research specialties: Development of astrophysical X-ray detectors and data systems.

Cirtain, Jonathan W, Astrophysicist. B.S. (2001) University of Memphis; Ph.D. (2005) Montana State University. Research specialties: Studies of the physics of plasmas, EUV/x-ray spectroscopy, and solar coronal physics.

DAVID, Laurence P., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1980) Drexel University; M.A. (1983), Ph.D. (1985) Indiana University. Research specialties: Early-Type Galaxies Groups of Galaxies Clusters of Galaxies Cosmology.

DELUCA, Edward E., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1979), M.A. (1980) Wesleyan University; Ph.D. (1986) University of Colorado. Research specialties: Solar coronal physics; Astrophysical fluid dynamics; solar physics; magnetohydrodynamics; dynamo theory.

DRAKE, Jeremy J., Astrophysicist. B.Sc. (1985) University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne; D.Phil. (1989) Brasenose College, Oxford University. Research specialties: Stellar coronae; stellar magnetic activity; element abundances and stellar evolution; extreme ultraviolet and X-ray astronomy.

EDGAR, Richard J., Research Astrophysicist. B.A. (1976) University of Colorado; M.S. (1983), Ph.D. (1985) University of Wisconsin--Madison. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; spectroscopy; diffuse soft X-ray background; hot interstellar medium supernova remnants; nonequilibrium ionization solar wind.

EDMONDS, Peter D., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1988), Ph.D. (1994) University of Sydney. Research specialties: Globular clusters; compact binaries, especially accreting systems; HST studies of globulars; optical identifications of X-ray sources; X-ray studies of compact binaries; millisecond pulsars; stellar pulsations.

ELVIS, Martin S., Astrophysicist. B.Sc. (1973) University of Bristol; M.Sc. (1974) University of Sussex; Ph.D. (1978) University of Leicester. Research specialties: Extragalactic X-ray astronomy, quasars, and AGN; multiwaveband studies (X-ray, uv, ir, mm, and radio) of continuum and lines in quasars; models for quasars-structured winds as a path to unification, physical evolution; high Z clusters of galaxies.

EVANS, Ian N., Astrophysicist. B.Sc. (1982) University of Western Australia; Ph.D. (1987) The Australian National University. Research specialties: Physics of active galactic nuclei, particularly the narrow line region; physics of the interstellar medium, particularly H II regions; image-processing algorithms; spacecraft/mission operations, particularly pointing control, target acquisitions.

EVANS, Nancy R., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1966) Wellesley College; M.Sc. (1969), Ph.D. (1974) University of Toronto. Research specialties: Cepheid masses and luminosities; binary stars (star formation); visual and ultraviolet observations of intermediate mass stars; X-ray observations of star clusters.

FABBIANO, Giuseppina, Senior Astrophysicist. Ph.D. (1973) University of Palermo. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; normal galaxies; populations of X-ray sources in galaxies; silent supermassive black holes; multiwavelength astrophysics archives and data analysis in the Virtual Observatory.

FORMAN, William R., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1969) Haverford College; M.A. (1970), Ph.D. (1973) Harvard University. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; high-energy astrophysics.

FORMAN, Christine Jones, Astrophysicist. A.B. (1971) Radcliffe College; A.M. (1972), Ph.D. (1974) Harvard University. Research specialties: X-ray observations of hot gas in galaxies and clusters of galaxies to determine their mass, structure, and cosmological evolution.

FRUSCIONE, Antonella, Astrophysicist. Laurea Doctoral Degree (1986) University of Milan; Degree of Advanced Studies (1987) University of Paris. Research specialties: Multiwavelength studies of active galactic nuclei; EUVE and X-ray astronomy; astronomical data analysis.

GAETZ, Terrance, Astrophysicist. S.B. (1977) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; M.S. (1980), Ph.D. (1985) Cornell University. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; supernova remnants; shock physics (radiative and nonradiative); astrophysical gas dynamics; computational physics and astrophysics.

GARCIA, Michael R., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1978) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1987) Harvard University. Research specialties: X-ray binaries; X-ray instrumentation.

GOLUB, Leon, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1967) City College of New York; Ph.D. (1972) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: High-resolution X-ray and extreme ultraviolet instrumentation; solar and stellar coronal plasma and dynamo theory.

GORENSTEIN, Paul, Senior Astrophysicist. B.E.P. (1957) Cornell University; Ph.D. (1962) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; grazing incidence and diffractive X-ray telescopes; instrumentation for X-ray astronomy; supernova remnants; clusters of galaxies.

GRAESSLE, Dale E., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1981) University of Missouri at Columbia; Ph.D. (1989) University of Wisconsin at Madison. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; high-energy astrophysics; AGN spectra; instrument calibration; synchrotron radiation.

GREEN, Paul J., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1981) Oberlin; Ph.D. (1992) University of Washington (Seattle). Research specialties: Extragalactic X-ray astronomy; quasars and AGN; X-ray survey multiwavelength followup; wide separation quasar pairs or lenses; quasar emission and absorption lines; galactic faint halo carbon stars; white dwarfs with cool companions.

HARNDEN, F. Rick, Physicist. B.S. (1967) Yale College; Ph.D. (1972) Rice University. Research specialties: X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy; pulsars and supernova remnants; stellar X-ray emission from open clusters and star formation regions.

HARRIS, Daniel E., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1956) Haverford College; M.A. (1957), Ph.D. (1961) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Nonthermal processes in extragalactic sources: clusters of galaxies, radio galaxies, and quasars with a particular emphasis on relativistic jets..

JERIUS, Diab, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1984) Wayne State University; Ph.D. (1992) University of Michigan. Research specialties: Numerical cosmology; galaxy cluster evolution.

JUDA, Michael, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1981) California Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1988) University of Wisconsin at Madison. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; studies of the interstellar medium; supernova remnants; instrumentation; cryogenic X-ray detectors.

KAROVSKA NEILY, Margarita, Astrophysicist. Ph.D. (1984) Universite de Nice. Research specialties: Late-spectral-type stars; interacting binaries; AGN; multiwavelength high angular resolution imaging, and interferometry; X-ray astronomy; solar corona.

KASHYAP, Vinay L., Astrophysicist. M.S. (1993), Ph.D. (1994) University of Chicago. Research specialties: Solar and stellar coronae; diffuse X-ray emission; X-ray analysis algorithm.

KELLOGG, Edwin M., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1960) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; M.S. (1963), Ph.D. (1966) University of Pennsylvania. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; clusters of galaxies; symbiotic stars; X-ray instrumentation.

KENTER, Almus, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1982) Columbia University; M.S. (1984), Ph.D. (1989) University of Wisconsin. Research specialties: X-ray detector and instrumentation development; X-ray astronomy of compact objects; TeV gamma-ray astronomy and detector technology.

KIM, Dong-Woo, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1980), M.S. (1982) Seoul National University; Ph.D. (1988) University of California at Los Angeles. Research specialties: Interstellar matter in early-type galaxies; X-ray emission from normal galaxies.

Korreck, Kelly Elizabeth, Astrophysicist. B.S.(1999), M.S. (2002), Ph.D. (2005) University of Michigan. Research specialties: solar magnetic reconnection and associated particle acceleration, shock physics in supernova remnants and the heliosphere.

KRAFT, Ralph P., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1988) University of Pittsburgh; Ph.D. (1995) Pennsylvania State University. Research specialties: Instrumentation of X-ray astronomy.

LUNDQUIST, Loraine L., Astrophysicist. B.A.(1998) Principia College; M.A.(2001), Ph.D. (2006) University of California, Berkeley. Research specialties: Solar physics; solar and stellar coronal heating; solar soft X-ray emissions and observations..

MACHACEK, Marie Esther, Astrophysicist. B.A. (1969) Coe College; M.S. (1970) University of Michigan; Ph.D. (1973) University of Iowa. Research specialties: Galaxy interactions and evolution; X-ray studies of hot gas in galaxies, clusters, and groups.

MARKEVITCH, Maxim L., Astrophysicist. M.S. (1990) Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology; Ph.D. (1993) Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology/Space Research Institute. Research specialties: Clusters of galaxies; X-ray data analysis; cosmology; effect of clusters on cosmic microwave background.

MATTISON, Edward M., Physicist. B.S. (1963) Queens College of the City University of New York; Ph.D. (1974) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Hydrogen masers; atomic physics; high-stability frequency standards.

MCCLINTOCK, Jeffrey E., Senior Astrophysicist. B.S. (1964) Stanford University; Ph.D. (1969) Massachusetts Institute of Technology.. Research specialties: Observations of X-ray binary systems that contain a black hole primary; measurements of the mass and spin of stellar-mass black holes..

MCCOLLOUGH, Michael L., Archival Astrophysicist. B.S. (1975), M.S. (1981) Auburn University; Ph.D. (1989) Indiana University. Research specialties: X-ray binaries; high-energy astrophysics; multi-wavelength studies; X-ray astronomy; gamma-ray astronomy; supernova remnants;.

MCDOWELL, Jonathan C., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1981), Ph.D. (1987) Cambridge University (United Kingdom). Research specialties: Quasars; black holes; multiwaveband studies; astronomical software.

MURRAY, Stephen S., Senior Astrophysicist; Deputy Director for Science, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics; Director, Astrophysics Technology Center. B.S. (1965) Columbia University; Ph.D. (1971) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; Clusters of Galaxies, Active Galactic Nuclei, Supernova Remnents, Large Area Surveys; space physics; single-photon-counting detection systems; information systems; detectors, optics, and interferometry.

NICHOLS, Joy S., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1968), M.S. (1970) Northwestern University; Ph.D. (1992) University of Amsterdam. Research specialties: Interstellar medium; supernova remnants; winds of hot stars; high-energy plasma physics.

NULSEN, Paul E.J., Astrophysicist. B.Sc. (1975) University of Western Australia; Ph.D. (1980) Cambridge University (United Kingdom). Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; dynamics and gas dynamics; hot gas in galaxies and clusters.

O'SULLIVAN, Ewan J., Astrophysicist. M.Phys. (1998) University of Southampton (United Kingdom); Ph.D. (2002) University of Birmingham (United Kingdom). Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; elliptical galaxies; groups and clusters of galaxies.

PLUCINSKY, Paul P., Astrophysicist. S.B. (1987) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1993) University of Wisconsin at Madison. Research specialties: Local X-ray background; supernova remnants; Interstellar Medium; Nearby Galaxies; X-ray detectors.

PRESTWICH, Andrea H., Astrophysicist. B.Sc. (1984) Queen Mary College (London); M.Sc. (1985) University of Manchester; Ph.D. (1989) Imperial College, London. Research specialties: Multiwavelength studies of clusters of galaxies; extragalactic star formation.

PRIMINI, Francis A., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1972) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Ph.D. (1977) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Observational X-ray astronomy, including number counts and distributions of X-ray source populations in the Milky Way and other similar galaxies; surveys of extragalactic X-ray sources; X-ray binaries; time-series analysis of X-ray sources.

REEVES, Katharine, Astrophysicist. B.A. (1996) Reed College; M.S (1999) Northeastern University; Ph.D. (2006) University of New Hampshire. Research specialties: Modeling and data analysis of solar flares ans coronal mass ejections.

REID, Paul B., Senior Astrophysicist. B.A. (1975), M.A. (1977), Ph.D. (1982) Columbia University. Research specialties: X-ray optics.

ROMAINE, Suzanne E., Physicist. B.S. (1974) Michigan State University; S.M. (1986) Harvard University; Ph.D. (1992) Boston University. Research specialties: X-ray optics, deposition of multilayer coatings, thin film coatings, materials science of thin films; low-temperature physics; semiconductor and superconductor device physics.

ROTS, Arnold H., Astrophysicist. B.Sc. (1967), M.Sc. (1971), Ph.D. (1974) University of Groningen (The Netherlands). Research specialties: Interstellar medium in extended galaxies; dynamics of galaxies; study of pulsars, in particular timing; data analysis algorithms; time keeping; data archives.

SAAR, Steven H., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1980) Northwestern University; Ph.D. (1987) University of Colorado. Research specialties: Solar/stellar magnetic fields, dynamos, and related activity; stellar rotation, convection, and surface features; detection of extrasolar planets.

SCHWARTZ, Daniel A., Senior Physicist. B.S. (1963) Washington University (St. Louis); M.S. (1966), Ph.D. (1969) University of California at San Diego. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; Extragalactic Jets; Observational Cosmology; X-ray mirror and detector instrumentation.

SIEMIGINOWSKA, Aneta L., Astrophysicist. M.S. (1985) University of Warsaw; Ph.D. (1991) Copernicus Astronomical Center (Poland). Research specialties: Theory of accretion disks; active galactic nuclei.

SILVER, Eric H., Senior AstroPhysicist. B.S. (1973) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; M.Phil. (1976), Ph.D. (1978) Columbia University. Research specialties: X-ray spectroscopy and polarimetry of laboratory and astrophysical plasmas.

SLANE, Patrick O., Astrophysicist. B.S.E. (1977) University of Wisconsin at Whitewater; M.S. (1983) University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee; Ph.D. (1988) University of Wisconsin at Madison. Research specialties: Galactic X-ray astronomy; supernova remnants; young neutron stars.

SLAVIN, Jonathan David, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1984) Georgetown University; Ph.D. (1990) University of Wisconsin at Madison. Research specialties: Theories of the interstellar medium (ISM), especially local ISM (including our local interstellar cloud) and interactions of hot gas and cooler gas; supernova remnant (SNR) evolution; X-ray and UV observations of SNRs and the hot ISM; intracluster medium in rich clusters.

TANANBAUM, Harvey D., Senior Astrophysicist; Director, Chandra X-ray Observatory Center. B.A. (1964) Yale University; Ph.D. (1968) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; quasars.

TUCKER, Wallace H., Astrophysicist, Senior Theoretician. B.S. (1961), M.S. (1962) University of Oklahoma; Ph.D. (1966) University of California. Research specialties: High-energy astrophysics.

VIKHLININ, Alexey A., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1993) Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology; Ph.D. (1995) Russian Space Research Institute. Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; clusters of galaxies.

VRTILEK, Saeqa Dil, Senior Astrophysicist. B.S. (1975) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; M.A. (1979) Brandeis University; Ph.D. (1985), M.Phil. (1985) Columbia University. Research specialties: Optical tomography of X-ray binaries; physics of accretion disks and jets; multiwavelength studies of X-ray binaries and planetary nebulae; science education/public outreach.

VRTILEK, Jan M., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1975) University of Wisconsin; Ph.D. (1983) Harvard University. Research specialties: Clusters and groups of galaxies; X-ray astronomy; astronomical instrumentation.

WARGELIN, Bradford, Astrophysicist. S.B. (1985) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1993) University of California at Berkeley. Research specialties: Laboratory X-ray astrophysics; electron-beam-ion-trap high-resolution spectroscopy and studies of electron impact excitation and charge exchange; stellar coronae; X-ray instrumentation.

WEBER, Mark, Astrophysicist. B.S. (Physics) (1991) Harvey Mudd College; M.S. (Physics) (1995), Ph.D. (Physics) (1999) Montana State University. Research specialties: Coronal differential rotation; large-scale structure of corona; magnetic loop models; variation of solar neutrino flux.

WILKES, Belinda J., Astrophysicist. B.Sc. (1978) St. Andrews University; Ph.D. (1982) Institute of Astronomy and Jesus College, Cambridge University. Research specialties: X-ray and multifrequency studies of quasi-stellar objects, X-ray surveys (ChaMP).

WOLK, Scott J., Astrophysicist. A.B. (1988) Cornell University; Ph.D. (1996) State University of New York at Stony Brook. Research specialties: Multiwavelength studies of regions of star formation; rotational modulation of PMS stars; brown dwarfs; X-ray astronomy; X-ray studies of planets and comets in the inner solar system.

ZEZAS, Andreas, Astrophysicist. B.Sc. (1997) University of Patras (Greece); Ph.D. (2000) University of Leicester (United Kingdom). Research specialties: X-ray astronomy; discrete X-ray sources in galaxies; X-ray biniaries, supernova remnants; multiwavelength observations of galaxies; low-luminosity active galactic nuclei.

ZHAO, Ping, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1981) Peking University; Ph.D. (1986) Yale University. Research specialties: High Energy Astrophysics: X-ray telescopes and their mirrors; multi-wavelength studies of X-ray binaries; black holes; neutron stars. Atomic physics: atomic beams; laser physics; high precision measurements.

AFFILIATED RESEARCH STAFF

GAENSLER, Bryan M., Research Associate, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. B.Sc. (1993), Hons Class I (1994), Ph.D. (1998) The University of Sydney. Research specialties: Neutron stars; supernova remnants; supernovae; the interstellar medium; magnetic fields; shocks; turbulence; the Magellanic Clouds; radio polarimetry; interferometry; high energy astrophysics; history of astronomy.

GRINDLAY, Jonathan E., Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University. A.B. (1966) Dartmouth College; A.M. (1969), Ph.D. (1971) Harvard University. Research specialties: High-energy astrophysics; cosmic-ray astrophysics; X-ray & gamma-ray observations and models of compact objects in binaries in globular clusters; active galaxies; gamma-ray bursts. Development of hard X-ray imaging detectors and telescopes; time domain astrophysics and surveys.

LEE, Julia C., Astrophysicist; Assistant Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University. B.S. (1994) University of California at Los Angeles; Ph.D. (1999) Cambridge University. Research specialties: Multi-wavelength (primarily X-ray) spectroscopic studies of energetic accretion systems (X-ray binaries, AGN); interstellar dust composition studies through laboratory experiments and space-based observations.

OPTICAL AND INFRARED ASTRONOMY

Research in this division spans extragalactic and galactic astronomy, with special emphases on cosmology, the large-scale structure of the universe, cosmic gamma-ray sources, clusters of galaxies, clusters of stars, the halo of our galaxy, and the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies. Observations are made from orbiting observatories including the Hubble Space Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope, as well as from ground-based observatories such as the MMT, Magellan, and FLWO. SAO/CfA astronomers were the first to uncover the large-scale structure of the distribution of galaxies in space and the acceleration of the Universe. Division scientists have also led the exploration of the very high energy (TeV) gamma-ray universe using atmospheric Cerenkov telescopes. OIR scientists are heavily involved in the analysis of Spitzer data and led the development of the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) for Spitzer. They are active in the development of both advanced optical and infrared instruments for existing ground-based facilities, and concepts for the next generation of large optical/infrared telescopes and instruments.

RESEARCH STAFF

ALLEN, Lori E., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1985) University of California at Santa Cruz; Ph.D. (1996) University of Massachusetts. Research specialties: Star formation; young stellar clusters; molecular clouds.

ASHBY, Matthew L. N., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1988) University of Colorado; M.S. (1991), Ph.D. (1995) Cornell University. Research specialties: Infrared properties of nearby and distant galaxies; active galactic nuclei; galaxy evolution; radiative transfer.

BROWN, Warren R., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1995) University of Arizona; A.M. (1998), Ph.D. (2002) Harvard University. Research specialties: Optical and infrared instrumentation for ground-based telescopes; extragalactic studies; stellar halo and structure of the Milky Way; hypervelocity stars.

CALDWELL, Nelson, Astronomer. B.A. (1976) University of South Florida; Ph.D. (1982) Yale University. Research specialties: Structure and interstellar matter in elliptical galaxies; dwarf galaxies; variable stars in nearby galaxies; star formation in galaxies.

FABRICANT, Daniel G., Senior Physicist; Associate Director, Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. B.S. (1974) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1978) Harvard University. Research specialties: Galaxy clusters; galaxy evolution; large-scale structure; instrumentation for optical astronomy.

FALCO-ACOSTA, Emilio, Astronomer. B.S., M.S. (1983), Ph.D. (1986) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Observational cosmology: applications of gravitational lensing by galaxies and clusters of galaxies; evolution of galaxies, and large-scale structure; quasars and their galaxian hosts; new generations of instruments for telescopes; software for processing massive data sets from these instruments; studies of flux variability in stars and quasars to find planets and estimate cosmological parameters, respectively.

FAZIO, Giovanni G., Senior Physicist. B.S. (Physics) (1954), B.A. (Chemistry) (1954) St. Mary's University (Texas); Ph.D. (Physics) (1959) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Infrared astronomy, including balloon-borne, satellite, and ground-based observations using infrared array cameras; infrared detector development; the early universe; star formation and evolution; brown dwarfs; and ultraluminous galaxies.

GEARY, John C., Physicist. B.A. (1967) Michigan State University; M.S. (1969), Ph.D. (1975) University of Arizona. Research specialties: Design and construction of advanced electronic detector systems for astronomical observations.

GELLER, Margaret, Senior Astronomer. A.B. (1970) University of California, Berkeley; Ph.D. (1975) Princeton University; DSHC (1995) Connecticut College; DSHC (1997) Gustavus Adolphus College; DSHC (2000) University of Massachusetts (Dartmouth). Research specialties: Extragalactic astronomy and cosmology; large-scale structure of the universe; the formation and history of galaxies like the Milky Way; matter distribution in the universe.

GIBBS, Kenneth G., Deputy Project Manager, VERITAS. B.Sc. (1978) University of Washington; Ph.D. (1986) University of Arizona. Research specialties: Very-high and ultra-high gamma- and cosmic-ray astrophysics.

HORA, Joseph L., IRAC Program Scientist. B.A. (1985) Northwestern University; Ph.D. (1991) University of Arizona. Research specialties: Infrared instrumentation; infrared astronomy; planetary nebulae; star formation.

HUANG, Jiasheng, Astrophysicist. A.S. (1985), M.S. (1988) Nanjing University; Ph.D. (1997) University of Hawaii. Research specialties: Extragalactic survey; galaxy formation and evolution; cosmology.

KURTZ, Michael J., Astronomer. B.A. (1977) San Francisco State University; Ph.D. (1982) Dartmouth College. Research specialties: Observational cosmology; galaxy photometry and spectroscopy; image-processing techniques; numerical classification methods; scientific information systems; digital libraries.

LACASSE, Marc G., Engineer/Instrument Scientist. B.A. (1976) Dartmouth College; M.A. (1978), Ph.D. (1984) University of Rochester. Research specialties: Instrument support, interferometry; image reconstruction; light scattering; polarization; astronimical spectroscopy & imaging.

LATHAM, David W., Senior Astronomer. B.S. (1961) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1970) Harvard University. Research specialties: Searches for extrasolar planets; the formation and early history of the Milky Way Galaxy; the frequency and orbital characteristics of binaries in various stellar populations.

MARENGO, Massimo, Astrophysicist. Laurea cum Laude (1993) University of Torino; Ph.D. (2000) International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS)(Italy). Research specialties: InfraRed Array Camera science group for Spitzer Space telescope; study of circumstellar environment including planetary systems formation (debris disks) and stellar mass loss; study of Cepheids and other variable stars.

MCLEOD, Brian A., Astronomer. B.A. (1988) Cornell University; Ph.D. (1994) University of Arizona. Research specialties: Optical and infrared instrumentation; gravitational lensing; galaxy evolution.

MEIBOM, Soren, Astronomer. Ph.D. (2005) University of Wisconsin. Research specialties: Stars: late type; binary stars; tidal evolution; stellar rotation; stellar photometry and spectroscopy.

MELNICK, Gary J., Senior Astronomer. B.A. (1974), M.S. (1979), Ph.D. (1980) Cornell University. Research specialties: Infrared spectroscopy and interstellar matter; satellite infrared and submillimeter astronomy; cosmology.

PAHRE, Michael Andrew, Astrophysicist. A.B. (1989) Harvard University; Ph.D. (1998) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Elliptical galaxies; galaxy evolution; high-redshift galaxies and quasi-stellar objects; stellar populations; infrared instrumentation; searches for clusters of galaxies.

SCHILD, Rudolph E., Astronomer. B.S. (1962), M.S. (1964), Ph.D. (1966) University of Chicago. Research specialties: Gravitational lenses and microlensing; quasar structure and photometry; dark matter; quasar time series analysis.

SMITH, Howard A., Senior Astrophysicist. S.B. (1966), S.B. (2) (1966) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1976) University of California, Berkeley. Research specialties: Infrared spectroscopy; star formation and galaxies; instrumentation; Spitzer (IRAC team); Herschel Space Observatory; Infrared Space Observatory; education and public outreach activities.

SZENTGYORGYI, Andrew H., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1979) State University of New York at Stony Brook; M.S. (1983), Ph.D. (1986) University of Wisconsin at Madison. Research specialties: Neutron stars; pulsars; supernovae; astronomical instrumentation; numerical methods for astronomy.

TOLLS, Volker, Physicist. Diploma (1988), Ph.D. (1992) University of Cologne. Research specialties: Design and test of radio telescope instrumentation, ground-based and spaceborne, millimeter-to-infrared astronomy; interstellar chemistry; planet detection and imaging; coronagraphic techniques.

TORRES, Guillermo, Astronomer. Ph.D. (1991) University of Cordoba. Research specialties: Binary stars; precise determination of fundamental stellar parameters; pulsating stars; Doppler searches for extrasolar planets; follow-up of transiting extrasolar planets; radial-velocity studies of star-forming regions.

WANG, Zhong, Astronomer. B.A. (1982) Nanjing University; M.A. (1984), Ph.D. (1989) Boston University. Research specialties: Spectroscopic, photometric, and interferometric observations of the interstellar medium in galaxies, including our own; physics of interstellar shocks, galaxy interaction, and starburst.

WEEKES, Trevor C., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1962), Ph.D. (1966), D.Sc. (1978) National University of Ireland; D.Sc. (2004) University of Chicago. Research specialties: High-energy astrophysics; cosmic rays; high-energy gamma-ray astronomy; active galactic nuclei; primordial black holes; gamma-ray bursts.

WILLNER, Steven P., Astronomer. A.B. (1971) Harvard College; Ph.D. (1976) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Infrared observations of galaxies, both nearby and distant. Development of infrared instruments.

AFFILIATED RESEARCH STAFF

HUCHRA, John P., Senior Astronomer; Robert O. and Holly Thomis Doyle Professor of Cosmology, Harvard University. B.S. (1970) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1976) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Extragalactic astronomy and observational cosmology; stellar populations in galaxies; active galactic nuclei; large-scale distribution of galaxies, globular cluster systems.

KIRSHNER, Robert P., Clowes Professor of Science, Harvard University. B.A. (1970) Harvard College; Ph.D. (1975) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Supernovae; galaxies; observational cosmology.

RADIO AND GEOASTRONOMY

Research in radio and geoastronomy covers a wide range of topics, including black holes and active galactic nuclei, the structure and evolution of the Milky Way and other galaxies, the formation of stars and proto-planetary disks, the physics and chemistry of the interstellar medium, evolved stars and planetary nebulae, circumstellar and interstellar masers, planetary atmospheres, and geophysical studies using radio techniques. Radio observations of are carried out with a wide variety of telescopes at national and international facilities, including the Green Bank Telescope, Arecibo, the Very Large Array, and the Very Long Baseline Array. Recently, the Submillimeter Array (SMA), a unique eight-element interferometer that produces images of celestial objects in the sub-millimeter wavelength band became operational. Other pioneering facilities include the Antarctic Submillimeter Telescope and Remote Observatory (AST/RO), a Terahertz telescope in Chile, and a small millimeter wavelength telescope for mapping CO in the Milky Way. Advanced work in support of future space missions includes the investigation of the uses of tethers between spacecraft. Geophysical research is conducted using the radio frequency techniques of VLBI and GPS.

RESEARCH STAFF

ARGON, Alice L., IT Specialist. A.B. (1978) Wellesley College; Ph.D. (1986) University of Massachusetts. Research specialties: Masers; extragalactic radio astronomy.

BLUNDELL, Raymond, Head, Receiver Development Laboratory. B.S. (1974), Ph.D. (1980) University of Leeds. Research specialties: Millimeter- and submillimeter-wave instrumentation.

DAME, Thomas M., Radio Astronomer. B.A. (1976) Boston University; M.A. (1978), Ph.D. (1983) Columbia University. Research specialties: Molecular clouds and star formation; galactic structure.

DAVIS, James Louis, Geodesist. B.S. (1981) Michigan State University; Ph.D. (1986) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Geophysics, climate change, glaciology, and remote sensing of the atmosphere; positional and physical geodesy using space and satellite techniques.

GOTTLIEB, Carl, Visiting Scientist. Sc.B. (1963) Lawrence College; Ph.D. (1969) University of Chicago. Research specialties: Laboratory astrophysics; interstellar molecules.

GREENHILL, Lincoln J., Radio Astronomer. B.S. (1984) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; M.A. (1985), Ph.D. (1990) Harvard University. Research specialties: Cosmology--the epoch of reionization (instrumentation/observation), extragalactic distance scale; AGN--structures < 1 pc from supermassive black holes; high-mass star formation--innermost 1000 AU; late-type stars-circumstellar shells; masers.

GURWELL, Mark Andrew, Astrophysicist. Sc.B. (1990) University of Washington; Sc.M. (1992), Ph.D. (1996) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Radio astronomy of planets; interferometry; brown dwarf detection.

HO, Paul T.P., Senior Astrophysicist. S.B. (1972), Ph.D. (1977) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Spectral-line interferometry; star formation in external galaxies; galactic nuclei; interstellar medium; massive outflows; molecular clouds; formation of OB clusters; radio astronomy; submillimeter array.

KETO, Eric R., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1979) Princeton University; Ph.D. (1987) Harvard University. Research specialties: Starburst galaxies; superstar clusters; AGB stars; star formation.

LADA, Charles J., Senior Astrophysicist; Associate Director, Radio and Geoastronomy Division, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. B.A. (1971) Boston University; Ph.D. (1975) Harvard University. Research specialties: Star formation; molecular clouds; bipolar molecular outflows; young star clusters; interstellar medium; infrared and millimeter-wave observational astronomy.

LANE, Adair P., Astronomer. B.A. (1970) Wellesley College; M.S. (1976), M.S. (1978), Ph.D. (1982) University of Massachusetts. Research specialties: Star formation and the interstellar medium; Antarctic submillimeter astronomy (AST/RO Project).

LEBACH, Daniel E., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1984) University of California at Berkeley; A.M. (1989), Ph.D. (1996) Harvard University. Research specialties: Astrometric studies of celestial objects with very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI); applications of VLBI to tests of general relativity.

MORAN, James M., Senior Radio Astronomer; Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University. B.S. (1963) University of Notre Dame; S.M. (1965), Ph.D. (1968) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Radio astronomy; very long-baseline interferometry; cosmic masers; star-formation studies; interstellar scattering; active galactic nuclei.

MYERS, Philip C., Senior Astrophysicist; Lecturer on Astronomy, Harvard University. A.B. (1966) Columbia University; Ph.D. (1972) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Radio astronomy; physical processes in molecular clouds and star formation; interstellar molecules; molecular spectroscopy; protostars; gravitational infall and condensation; formation of clusters.

PAINE, Scott N., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1984) California Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1992) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Millimeter-wave and submillimeter-wave optics and instrumentation; Fourier transform spectroscopy; atmospheric measurements.

PEARLMAN, Michael R., Physicist. S.B. (1963) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1968) Tufts University; S.M. (1980) MIT Sloan School of Management. Research specialties: Laser ranging to satellites; application of space techniques to geodesy.

QI, Chunhua, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1995) Beijing University; Ph.D. (2001) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Star formation; protoplanetary disks; chemistry of young stellar objects; comets; interferometry.

RATNER, Michael I., Radio Astronomer. B.S. (1971) Yale University; Ph.D. (1976) University of Colorado. Research specialties: Astrometry, astrophysics, and gravitational physics using very long-baseline interferometry; nonthermal stellar radio emission; aperture-synthesis mapping of radio sources.

REID, Mark J., Senior Radio Astronomer. B.A. (1971) University of California at San Diego; Ph.D. (1975) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Radio astronomy, including spectral-line very long-baseline interferometry; star formation; cosmic masers; active galactic nuclei and quasars; galactic structure and evolved stars.

STARK, Antony A., Astronomer. B.S. (1975) California Institute of Technology; M.A. (1977), Ph.D. (1979) Princeton University. Research specialties: Antarctic submillimeter astronomy (AST/RO Project); radio astronomical instrumentation; interstellar medium; galactic structure; cosmic background radiation; Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect observations; telescope control and data acquisition.

TAMISIEA, Mark E., Geophysicist. B.A. (1992) Grinnell College; Ph.D. (1999) University of Colorado. Research specialties: Sea level variation; glacial isostatic adjustment; short- and long-term solid-Earth deformation.

THADDEUS, Patrick, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1953) University of Delaware; M.A. (1955) Oxford University; Ph.D. (1960) Columbia University. Research specialties: Radio astronomy; study of galactic structure and molecular clouds; laboratory astrophysics; study of reactive molecules found in interstellar gas.

TONG, Edward C., Engineer. B.Sc. (Engineering) (1983) University of Hong Kong; Ph.D. (1988) University of Joseph Fourier (Grenoble). Research specialties: Instrumentation for millimeter- and submillimeter-wave astronomy.

Weintroub, Jonathan, Correlator Group Leader. B.Sc.(Eng) (1983), M.Sc.(Eng) (1986) University of Cape Town; Ph.D. (1998) Harvard University. Research specialties: Radio astronomy signal processing, in particular the correlator for the Submillimeter Array (SMA) interferometer. SMA observations of astronomical masers. Submillimeter VLBI on the black hole in the galactic center, and design of instrumentation for this experiment.

WILNER, David James, Astrophysicist. A.B. (1987) Princeton University; Ph.D. (1993) University of California at Berkeley. Research specialties: Star and planet formation; protoplanetary disks; aperture synthesis observations and techniques.

WILSON, Robert Woodrow, Senior Scientist. B.A. (1957) Rice University; Ph.D. (1962) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Radio astronomy; cosmic background; millimeter and submillimeter spectroscopy; telescope system design; submillimeter synthesis; radio communication.

YOUNG, Ken Harbour, Astrophysicist. B.A. (1980) Carlton College; Ph.D. (1994) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: AGB stars; young planetary nebulae.

ZHANG, Qizhou, Astrophysicist; Lecturer, Harvard University. M.S. (1993), Ph.D. (1996) Harvard University. Research specialties: Molecular cloud and star formation; study of infall motions, disks, and outflows in star-forming regions.

ZHAO, Jun-Hui, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1982), M.S. (1985) Beijing University; Ph.D. (1990) University of New Mexico. Research specialties: Radio/submm astronomy; galactic center; AGNs and starbursts; galaxy clusters; star formation; jet formation and accretion disk; radio spectroscopic, polarimetric, and interferometric studies of interstellar and circumnuclear medium in galaxies.

AFFILIATED RESEARCH STAFF

GOODMAN, Alyssa A., Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University; Director of the Harvard Initiative in Innovative Computing. Sc.B. (1984) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; A.M. (1986), Ph.D. (1989) Harvard University. Research specialties: Radio through optical observations of the interstellar medium and star formation; special interests in velocity structure, magnetic fields, polarimetry, visual display of quantitative information.

PATEL, Nimesh A., Astronomer/Engineer. M.Sc. (1984) Bombay University; Ph.D. (1990) Indian Institute of Science. Research specialties: Molecular clouds; star formation; astrophysical masers; evolved stars; radio interferometry; antenna calibration; instrumentation; software.

QI, Chunhua, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1995) Beijing University; Ph.D. (2001) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Star formation; protoplanetary disks; chemistry of young stellar objects; comets; interferometry.

TIRUPATI, Sridharan K, Astronomer/Engineer. E.B. (1985) Madras University; Ph.D. (1993) Indian Institute of Science. Research specialties: Molecular clouds; star formations; radio holography.

SOLAR, STELLAR, AND PLANETARY SCIENCES

Research in this division is directed toward understanding the physical properties of the Sun, other stars, and planets. The Sun is studied to determine its basic stellar properties and to understand how the Sun affects the Earth. Stars like the Sun, and other types of stars, are studied to determine stellar properties such as age and chemical composition, and to understand the formation and evolution of stars and stellar systems, including planets. Both solar and stellar work includes studies of the atmospheres and coronae. The division carries out research in extra-solar planet detection, as well as observational, computational, and theoretical work on small bodies in the solar system. Observational data are obtained from a number of ground-based observatories and from satellites, including SOHO, TRACE, the Far Ultraviolet Spectrographic Explorer, and the Hubble Space Telescope.

RESEARCH STAFF

AVRETT, Eugene H., Senior Physicist. B.S. (1957) Georgia Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1962) Harvard University. Research specialties: Theory of stellar atmospheres and spectra; models of solar and stellar atmospheres; computer simulation of solar, stellar, and nebular spectra.

BALIUNAS, Sallie L., Physicist. S.B. (1974) Villanova University; A.M. (1975), Ph.D. (1980) Harvard University. Research specialties: Surface magnetism of Sun-like and related stars, exo-terrestrial planets, space weather and solar-induced ecosystem change; adaptive optics.

BRICKHOUSE, Nancy Susan, Astrophysicist; Associate Director, Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Sciences Division, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. B.S. (1977) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Ph.D. (1984) University of Wisconsin at Madison. Research specialties: Plasma physics; solar and stellar coronae; plasma emission line spectroscopy; ultraviolet and X-ray spectroscopy of astrophysical sources; laboratory astrophysics.

CRANMER, Steven R., Astrophysicist. B.S. (1990) Drexel University; M.S. (1991) Ohio State University; Ph.D. (1996) University of Delaware. Research specialties: Heating of the solar corona and acceleration of the solar wind. Plasma physics and kinetic theory of waves and turbulence. Rotating hot stars (O, B, Wolf-Rayet) and circumstellar fluid dynamics. Radiative transfer and spectroscopy. Light and color in the atmosphere and the natural world.

DUPREE, Andrea K., Senior Astrophysicist. B.A. (1960) Wellesley College; Ph.D. (1968) Harvard University. Research specialties: Astronomical spectroscopy; theory of solar and stellar atmospheres and spectra; stellar chromospheres and coronae; mass loss and stellar winds.

FRANKLIN, Fred A., Astronomer and Physicist. B.A. (1954) Harvard College; M.A. (1956), Ph.D. (1962) Harvard University. Research specialties: Planetary photometry; stability problems; investigations of concentration and scattering properties of small particles in the solar system; techniques and instrumentation to measure the Earth's albedo.

GINGERICH, Owen, Senior Astronomer Emeritus; Professor of Astronomy and the History of Science Emeritus, Harvard University. B.A. (1951) Goshen College; M.A. (1953), Ph.D. (1962) Harvard University. Research specialties: History of astronomy, especially the sixteenth to twentieth centuries.

GREEN, Daniel W.E., Director, Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams. B.A. (1980) Valparaiso University; Ph.D. (2004) University of Durham. Research specialties: Comets; minor planets; general solar-system studies; novae; supernovae.

KALKOFEN, Wolfgang, Astrophysicist. Vordiplom (1956) Goethe University (Germany); M.A. (1961), Ph.D. (1963) Harvard University. Research specialties: Radiative transfer in continua and in spectral lines through static and moving media; radiative gas dynamics; propagation and dissipation of shock waves in stellar atmospheres.

KENYON, Scott J., Senior Astrophysicist. B.S. (1978) Arizona State University; M.S. (1979), Ph.D. (1983) University of Illinois. Research specialties: Numerical calculations of planet formation; the formation and evolution of single and multiple stars; accretion disks.

KO, Yuan-Kuen, Astrophysicist. Ph.D. (1993) University of Maryland, College Park. Research specialties: Solar physics; solar wind.

KOHL, John L., Senior Astrophysicist; Associate of the Harvard College Observatory, Harvard University. B.S. (1963) Muskingum College; M.S. (1966), Ph.D. (1969) University of Toledo. Research specialties: Science operations, data analysis, and experiment design for space based spectroscopic experiments to study the acceleration and evolution of solar wind streams and coronal mass ejections; measurements of suprathermal velocity distributions in coronal protons; crossed-beams measurements of electron-ion collision processes and their applications to astrophysics.

KORZENNIK, Sylvain G., Physicist. Degree of Engineering (1977) Free University of Brussels; Ph.D. (1990) University of California, Los Angeles. Research specialties: Astronomy; solar physics; helioseismology; astroseismology; extrasolar planets.

KURUCZ, Robert L., Physicist. A.B. (1966) Harvard College; Ph.D. (1973) Harvard University. Research specialties: Radiative transfer; stellar atmospheres; solar physics; atomic and molecular spectroscopy.

LIN, Jun, Astrophysicist. B.Sc. (1985), M.Sc. (1988) Nanjing University; Ph.D. (2001) University of New Hampshire. Research specialties: Solar physics: solar corona, flares, eruptive prominences, coronal mass ejections; theory and model constructions; magnetic reconnection.

MARSDEN, Brian G., Astronomer; Director Emeritus, Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams, and Director, Minor Planet Center, International Astronomical Union. B.A. (1959), M.A. (1963) Oxford University; Ph.D. (1966) Yale University. Research specialties: Celestial mechanics; determination of orbits; numerical analysis; astrometry; astronomical constants; comets; minor planets.

MIRALLES, Mari Paz, Astrophysicist. M.Sc. (1989), Ph.D. (1993) Complutense University of Madrid. Research specialties: Solar physics: solar corona, ultraviolet spectroscopy of solar-wind source regions; star formation: radio astronomy, molecular clouds, OB stars, ultracompact H II regions, infrared imaging and spectroscopy.

NOYES, Robert W., Astrophysicist; Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University. B.A. (1957) Haverford College; Ph.D. (1963) California Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Solar and stellar physics; solar structure and dynamics; detection and characterization of planets around other stars; origin and evolution of planetary systems.

PANASYUK, Alexander V., Computer Scientist. M.S. (1988) Moscow Physical Technical Institute; Ph.D. (1992) Acoustics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Moscow). Research specialties: Propagation of acoustical waves in nonlinear media; numerical analysis and simulation; software development for data acquisition and control systems.

PETAEV, Michail, Geologist. M.A. (1979) Moscow State University; Ph.D. (1985) Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry (Moscow). Research specialties: Experimental and theoretical physical geochemistry; theoretical cosmochemistry; microscopic and electron microprobe studies of the meteoritic record of events and processes in the primordial solar nebula; thermodynamic modeling of dust condensation in the solar nebula and silicate melting and water-rock interaction on meteorite parent bodies (asteroids).

RAYMOND, John C., Astrophysicist. B.A. (1970), Ph.D. (1976) University of Wisconsin at Madison. Research specialties: Supernova remnants; solar physics; cataclysmic variables.

SOON, Willie, Astrophysicist. B.Sc. (1985), M.Sc. (1987), Ph.D. (1991) University of Southern California. Research specialties: Observational analysis and physical modeling of phenomena relevant to the Sun, Sun-like stars, and the Earth.

SPAHR, Timothy, Astronomer. B.S. (1993) University of Arizona; Ph.D. (1998) University of Florida. Research specialties: Distribution of asteroids; sky surveys for near-Earth objects; determination of orbits.

STRACHAN, Leonard, Astrophysicist. S.B. (1982) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; A.M. (1987), Ph.D. (1990) Harvard University. Research specialties: Observations and modeling of solar corona and solar wind; ultraviolet spectroscopy from space.

UZZO, Michael, Astrophysicist. B.S. (1992) Manhattan College; Ph.D. (1999) College of William and Mary. Research specialties: Investigation of streamers in the solar corona and the slow solar wind.

VAN BALLEGOOIJEN, Adriaan, Astrophysicist. Ph.D. (1982) State University of Utrecht. Research specialties: Solar magnetic fields; magnetohydrodynamics; nonthermal heating of the solar atmosphere; solar prominences.

AFFILIATED RESEARCH STAFF

BELL, Barbara, Astronomer Emeritus, Harvard College Observatory. A.B. (1944), Ph.D. (1951) Radcliffe College. Research specialties: Associations between solar phenomena and geomagnetic disturbances; postglacial climate fluctuations and their possible role in ancient history, especially Egypt and the Nile; spectroscopy; solar spectrum; solar gf values.

SASSELOV, Dimitar, Professor, Harvard University. M.Sc. (1986), Ph.D. (1988) University of Sofia; Ph.D. (1990) University of Toronto. Research specialties: Stellar pulsation; radiation hydrodynamics; stellar spectroscopy; extrasolar planets.

THEORETICAL ASTROPHYSICS

Research in the Theoretical Astrophysics division utilizes both physical analysis and mathematical modeling to understand astronomical systems. A broad range of topics is investigated, including the formation, structure, and evolution of stars, the properties of atoms and molecules in interstellar space, the structure and properties of accretion systems, high-temperature plasmas, the formation and evolution of planetary systems, both solar and extrasolar, the formation of galaxies, clusters, and quasars in the universe, and theories of the early universe.

RESEARCH STAFF

CHANDLER, John F., Physicist. S.B. (1973), Ph.D. (1979) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Experimental tests of general relativity; planetary ephemerides; interplanetary radar ranging; astrometric optical interferometry.

DI STEFANO, Rosanne, Astrophysicist. B.A. (1973) Queens College of the City University of New York; M.A. (1976) Columbia University; Ph.D. (1982) State University of New York, Stony Brook. Research specialties: Interacting binaries; stars and binaries in dense stellar environments; gravitational lensing.

HOLMAN, Matthew J., Astrophysicist; Associate Director, Theoretical Astrophysics Division, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. S.B. (1989), Ph.D. (1994) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Nonlinear dynamics; solar system dynamics; ground-based optical astronomy.

LECAR, Myron, Senior Astrophysicist; Lecturer on Astronomy, Harvard University. B.S. (1951) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; M.S. (1953) Case Institute of Technology; Ph.D. (1963) Yale University; M.A. (1978) Churchill College, Cambridge University. Research specialties: Gravitational dynamics; chaos; dynamics of the solar system; planet formation; formation and dynamical evolution of extra-solar planets.

RYBICKI, George B., Senior Physicist; Professor of the Practice of Astronomy, Harvard University. B.S. (1956) Carnegie-Mellon University; M.A. (1957), Ph.D. (1965) Harvard University. Research specialties: Radiative processes and radiative transfer; cosmology; radiation hydrodynamics; stellar and galactic dynamics.

SHAPIRO, Irwin I., Senior Scientist, Smithsonian Institution; Timken University Professor, Harvard University. A.B. (1950) Cornell University; A.M. (1951), Ph.D. (1955) Harvard University. Research specialties: Radio and radar techniques: applications to astrometry, astrophysics, geophysics, planetary physics, and tests of theories of gravitation; precollege and college science education: curriculum development and teacher training.

AFFILIATED RESEARCH STAFF

DUTTA, Suvendra Nath, Research Computing Associate. B.Sc. (1984) Calcutta University; Ph.D. (1993) Princeton University. Research specialties: High-performance computing in astrophysics: large-scale cosmological simulations, numerical galaxy dynamics, parallel programming, management and administration of computer clusters and workstations.

FINKBEINER, Douglas Paul, Assistant Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University. B.S. (1994) University of Michigan; Ph.D. (1999) University of California at Berkeley. Research specialties: Interstellar dust; observational cosmology.

HERNQUIST, Lars Eric, Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University. B.A. (1977) Cornell University; Ph.D. (1985) California Institute of Technology; M.A., Hon. (1998) Harvard University. Research specialties: Cosmology; physics of compact stars; numerical astrophysics.

LOEB, Abraham, Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University. B.Sc. (1983), M.Sc. (1985), Ph.D. (1986) Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Research specialties: Theoretical cosmology; plasma astrophysics.

NARAYAN, Ramesh, Senior Astronomer; Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University. B.S. (1971) University of Madras; M.S. (1973), Ph.D. (1979) Bangalore University. Research specialties: Gravitational lensing; accretion disks; black holes; neutron stars; gamma-ray bursts.

ZALDARRIAGA, Matias, Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University. Licenciado (1994) University of Buenos Aires; Ph.D. (1998) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Cosmology with special interest in cosmic microwave background and physics of the early universe.

SCIENCE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

The Science Education Department (SED) conducts several programs designed to improve the teaching of precollege science and mathematics, partly through the use of examples from astronomy. These programs include the development of curriculum materials and standardized tests, the production of films and videos, research on the effect of precollege science courses on students' college science success, and the training of pre-college educators. In addition, SED manages the “Universe! Education Forum,” a major education and outreach initiative designed to enhance the public’s appreciation of current research on the structure and evolution of the universe, and the Annenberg/CPB Channel, a satellite and web service broadcasting educational programming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a special focus on teacher professional development.

RESEARCH STAFF

GOULD, Roy R., Education Specialist. A.B. (1968) Cornell University; Ph.D. (1974) Harvard University. Research specialties: Science education; technology-based tools for science and math education; integration of contemporary science into school curricula; public understanding of science.

GREGORY, Bruce, Education Research Analyst. B.A. (1960), M.S. (1963) University of Massachusetts. Research specialties: Integration of contemporary learning theory into science and technology education; development and evaluation of education and outreach materials; implementation of strategies for enhancing meaningful participation of space scientists in education.

SADLER, Philip M., Frances W. Wright Senior Lecturer on Celestial Navigation, Harvard University; Director, Science Education Department, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. B.S. (1973) Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ed.M. (1974), Ed.D. (1992) Harvard University. Research specialties: Science education; children's scientific misconceptions; remote telescopes; curriculum development; simulation software; celestial navigation; sundials; assessment; technology education; history of science.

SCHNEPS, Matthew H., Director, Laboratory for Visual Learning. B.S. (1974) City College of New York; Ph.D. (1979) Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Science education; applications of media technologies to problems of science education, specifically grades K-12; students' preconceptions in science; the image of science; children's television; learning disabilities in science. Disabilities in science. Neuroscience.

STEEL, Simon J., Education Specialist. B.Sc. (1984) Sussex University; P.G.C.E. (1986) Oxford University; M.A. (1991) Brandeis University; Ph.D. (1995) National University of Ireland. Research specialties: Science education; teaching of astrophysics in formal and informal settings.

AFFILIATED RESEARCH STAFF

COOK-SMITH, Nancy, Psychometrician. B.A. (1972) Presbyterian College (Clinton, South Carolina); M.S.L.S. (1974) University of Kentucky; PhD. (1989) University of South Carolina. Research specialties: Qualitiative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research in education and behaviorial/social sciences; educational assessment and program evaluation.

WARD, R. Bruce, Associate Project Manager, Harvard College Observatory. B.A. (1958) Macalester College; Th.M. (1962) McCormick Seminary; Ed.M. (1982), Ed.D. (1988) Harvard University. Research specialties: Science education; school-to-work programs; integration of contemporary learning theory into science and technology education.