Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Belmont

Name: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Address: Belmont, United States

#1 among attractions in Belmont

Museum, Observatories and planetariums

Gallery (1)

Map

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory location map

Map

Facts and practical information

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is a research institute of the Smithsonian Institution, concentrating on astrophysical studies including galactic and extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, solar, earth and planetary sciences, theory and instrumentation, using observations at wavelengths from the highest energy gamma rays to the radio, along with gravitational waves. Established in Washington, D.C., in 1890, the SAO moved its headquarters in 1955 to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where its research is a collaboration with the Harvard College Observatory and the Harvard University Department of Astronomy. In 1973, the Smithsonian and Harvard formalized the collaboration as the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian under a single Director. ()

Alternative names: Coordinates: 42°22'53"N, 71°7'42"W

Address

Cambridge (Neighborhood Nine)Belmont United States

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Day trips

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Club Passim, Lizard Lounge, Memorial Hall, The Harvard Coop.

0.7 miSE
Dancing, Nightlife
Club Passim, Boston
17 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Harvard Square, Club Passim stands as a cultural beacon in Cambridge, Massachusetts, renowned for its intimate live music experiences. This legendary venue has been a staple in the Boston music scene for decades, offering audiences the chance...
0.5 miE
Dancing, Nightlife
Lizard Lounge, Boston
12 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, part of the greater Boston area, Lizard Lounge is an intimate and eclectic venue that has become a staple in the local music and nightlife scene. This subterranean spot, located beneath the Cambridge Common restaurant, is known for...
0.8 miSE
Gothic Revival architecture, Memorial, Theater
Memorial Hall, Boston
21 min walk • Memorial Hall, immediately north of Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is an imposing High Victorian Gothic building honoring Harvard men's sacrifices in defense of the Union during the American Civil War‍—‌"a symbol of Boston's commitment to the Unionist cause and the...
0.7 miSE
Library, Shopping, Bookshop
The Harvard Coop, Boston
18 min walk • The Harvard Library is the umbrella organization for the Harvard University libraries and their shared services, such as access, preservation, digital infrastructure, digital imaging, and discovery services. The Harvard Library is nearly 400 years old, making it the oldest library system in the United States.
0.7 miSE
Nightlife, Cinema
Brattle Theatre, Boston
17 min walk • The Brattle Theatre is a repertory movie theater located in Brattle Hall at 40 Brattle Street near Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The theatre is a small movie house with one screen.
~1690 ftSE
Square
Edwin Abbot House, Belmont
9 min walk • The Edwin Abbot House, also known as the Zabriskie House, is an historic house at 27 Garden Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Built in 1889 to a design by Longfellow, Alden & Harlow, it is a prominent local example of residential Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.
~1880 ftS
Historic poet's home and war headquarters
Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, Boston
10 min walk • The Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site is a historic site located at 105 Brattle Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
0.5 miSE
Theater, Concerts and shows, Performing arts
American Repertory Theater, Boston
14 min walk • The American Repertory Theater is a professional not-for-profit theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1979 by Robert Brustein, the A.R.T. is known for its commitment to new American plays and music–theater explorations; to neglected works of the past; and to established classical texts reinterpreted in refreshing new ways.
~1760 ftS
Neighbourhood
West Cambridge, Belmont
9 min walk • West Cambridge, also known as "Area 10", is a neighborhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is bounded by the Charles River on the south, JFK Street on the east, Concord Avenue on the north, and Fresh Pond, Aberdeen Avenue, and the Watertown line on the west.
0.7 miSE
Museum, Art gallery
Lumen Eclipse, Boston
19 min walk • Lumen Eclipse is a public media arts gallery located in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded to expand public awareness of local, national, and international artists.
~710 ftSE
Observatories and planetariums
Harvard College Observatory, Boston
4 min walk • The Harvard College Observatory is an institution managing a complex of buildings and multiple instruments used for astronomical research by the Harvard University Department of Astronomy. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, and was founded in 1839.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory?

Nearby attractions include Sears Tower – Harvard Observatory, Belmont (1 min walk), Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Boston (1 min walk), Harvard College Observatory, Boston (4 min walk), Col. Thomas Wentworth Higginson House, Belmont (4 min walk).

How to get to Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory by public transport?

The nearest stations to Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory:

Train

Porter (18 min walk)

Metro

Porter • Lines: Red (18 min walk)
Harvard • Lines: Red (18 min walk)

Bus

Harvard Square (19 min walk)
Massachusetts Ave @ Holyoke St • Lines: 1, 69 (21 min walk)