Descriptive Entry

This record unit consists of administrative records maintained by Charles A. Lundquist as assistant director (Science), which primarily concern SAO scientific projects. Projects represented in the records include the Satellite Tracking Program, Celescope Project, Gravitational Redshift Space Probe Experiment, Hydrogen Maser Program, Very Long Baseline Interferometer (VLBI), Earth Albedo Project, Meteor Research Program, Meteor Simulation Project (Wallops Island), Radio Meteor Project, Southwest Meteor Spectral Patrol, Meteorite Photography and Recovery Project (Prairie Network), Mount Hopkins Observatory, Multiple-Mirror Telescope Project, National Geodetic Satellite Program, SAO Earth Physics Satellite (Cannonball), Big Dish Radio Telescope, Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams, and the Star Catalog. The record unit also includes files dealing with SAO and Smithsonian administration; records concerning National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientific projects and administration; general correspondence of Lundquist, 1962-1972; and an organizational file. A small amount of material pre-dates Lundquist's appointment as assistant director (Science) in 1962.

Historical Note

Under the administrative control of the Office of the Director, the assistant director (Science) was responsible for coordinating the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's (SAO) scientific investigations. Charles A. Lundquist became assistant director (Science) when the post was created in 1962. When Lundquist resigned in 1973, the position was abolished as a part of the reorganization of SAO and the Harvard College Observatory into the Center for Astrophysics. At that time, seven associate directors were appointed to administer SAO scientific programs.