Descriptive Entry

This record unit consists primarily of records maintained by Assistant Director Carlton W. Tillinghast, 1961-1969, with smaller amounts created by his predecessor Kenneth H. Drummond, 1959-1961, and the executive officer, Vaughan Harmon. Also included is correspondence and memoranda addressed to Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Director Fred L. Whipple. This material was usually referred to the assistant director for action. Records include general correspondence, 1957-1964, concerning SAO administration and scientific projects including Project Celescope; the Harvard Radio Meteor Project; SAO-International Year of the Quiet Sun Comet Project; the Prairie Network; and the Satellite Tracking Program. Of special interest is correspondence regarding the closing of SAO's Table Mountain, California, station in 1961. The record unit also includes administrative files, 1956-1966; Satellite Tracking Program records, 1957-1964, including administrative and tracking station files; and a buildings file, 1957-1966.

Around 1964, a numerical-subject records management system was instituted at SAO. Records were assigned a number code based on subject classification and filed numerically. Often records prior to 1964 were refiled using the numerical-subject system. Retrieval of records using the system is difficult. For a detailed explanation of the SAO numerical-subject filing system, see appendix 1 (off-line, in Archives).

Historical Note

Prior to 1959 the duties of this office were performed by the executive officer, Vaughan Harmon. For an administrative history of the office of the assistant director (Management), see Record Unit 256.