Social Activities & Groups
IMPORTANT NOTE (SAO & Harvard)
While the Center for Astrophysics (CfA) includes both the Harvard College Observatory (HCO) and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) the processes in this site are specifically for SAO personnel, unless otherwise noted. Harvard has distinct processes that should be followed for any individual with a Harvard-only affiliation.
Some information contained on this site, such as building maps, general information about the worksite area, etc. will be useful to all incoming personnel.
Museums
With your SAO/HCO ID, you *may* (depending on the museum) have discounted or complimentary entrance at multiple local and national museums. Commonly visited sites include:
Local Museums - Massachusetts
DeCordova Museum - Lincoln, MA
Franklin Park Zoo (+ Guests) - Boston, MA
Harvard University Museums - Cambridge, MA
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (+ Guest) - Boston, MA
MIT Museum - Cambridge, MA
Museum of Fine Arts (+ Guest) - Boston, MA
Museum of Science - Boston, MA
Peabody Essex Museum - Salem, MA
National Museums
Art Institute of Chicago - Chicago, Illinois
California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park - San Francisco, California
Cooper Hewitt Museum (+ Guest) - New York City
Frick Collection (+ Guest) - New York City
Huntington Gardens and Gallery - Los Angeles
Intrepid Air and Space Museum - New York City
Maryland Science Center - Baltimore, Maryland
Metropolitan Museum of Art (Donation Suggested) - New York City
Museum of Modern Art (+ Guest) - New York City
Robie House - Chicago, Illinois
CfA Community Social Resources & Events (MA / some virtual options)
Multiple seminar series and social events (see: public events site, events on intranet [requires wifi or VPN connection):
CfA-wide Meetings
CfA Colloquium
CfA Seminar
ITC Discussion and Luncheon
HEAD Seminar
Exoplanet Pizza Lunch
Annual SRC CfA BBQ, & Oktoberfest
The CfA has a community garden, Asgard, book clubs, and groups for tennis, knitting, chess and more. See CfA Social and Recreational Clubs for more information.
Harvard has several identity-based groups, which CfA fellows are eligible to join. Details can be found at About the Employee Resource Groups | employeeresourcegroups.
For predocs, student organizations can also be a source of community: List of Student Organizations.
Outings & Innings: Harvard’s site to receive discounted tickets to local museums, events, and regional sports. (HarvardKey required)
CfA Morning Coffee – Weekdays @ 10:00 AM (donuts on Friday), 60 Garden St. Lobby. Typically during school semesters.
SSP Coffee – Weekdays @ 10:30 AM, 3rd Floor Perkin Bridge ($1 weekly donation gets you coffee, snacks, and conversation)
Weekly Colloquium Tea – Thursdays @ 3:30 PM, Phillips Auditorium. Informal tea that welcomes everyone at CfA prior to the weekly colloquium.
Movable Feast – Fridays @ 5:30 PM
LGBTQ+ Identity Group – Interest Form (to be added to mailing list for events)
International Community Identity Group – Interest Form (to be added to mailing list for events)
Other opportunities for local recreation can be found in the City of Cambridge Guide for Visitors.
Local Area Events (MA)
Events in Huron Village: https://www.facebook.com/huronvillage
Events in Observatory Hill: https://www.facebook.com/ObservatoryHill
Events for Postdocs
Harvard provides opportunities for HCO postdocs which are open to SAO postdocs as well. See Harvard postdoc event & workshop calendar
Telescope Training
Clark telescope - contact Jonathan McDowell (jmcdowell@cfa.harvard.edu).
For the other smaller telescopes - contact Purvang Pate (purvang.patel@cfa.harvard.edu). Generally, these scopes aren’t available for use except for observatory nights.