Smithsonian Institution Archives

Records, 1971-1987

Summary

Collection ID:
SIA.FARU0437
Creators:
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Office of the Director
Dates:
1971-1987
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
30 cu. ft. (30 record storage boxes)
Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives

Descriptive Entry

Descriptive Entry
These records document the administration and scientific programs of SAO under the leadership of Field, 1973-1983, and Shapiro, 1983-1987. A small amount of material was created during Whipple's tenure as director. The records consist of correspondence, memoranda, proposals, reports, budgets, publications, and related materials documenting the research activities of SAO divisions of Atomic and Molecular Physics, High Energy Astrophysics, Optical and Infrared Astronomy, Planetary Sciences, Radio and Geoastronomy, Solar and Stellar Physics, and Theoretical Astrophysics; the development and operation of the multiple-mirror telescope; the research program of the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (before 1981, the Mount Hopkins Observatory); the Satellite Tracking Program, including its evolution from Baker-Nunn cameras to laser-ranging systems, and its termination in 1983; SAO research programs in hydrogen masers, submillimeter wavelength interferometers, and infrared telescopes; the development of the Langley-Abbot Solar Research Program; relations with Harvard University, and SAO's role as a member of the Center for Astrophysics; the establishment of the SAO visiting scientist and post-doctoral fellowship programs; SAO involvement in site testing for an observatory on Mt. Graham, Arizona; a proposed Institute for X-Ray Astronomy at SAO; and budgets, facilities, information management, publication programs, and other administrative matters.
Also included is incoming and outgoing correspondence of Field and Shapiro with professional colleagues, staff of SAO and the Harvard College Observatory, students, and the general public concerning scientific research, professional affairs, administrative issues, and requests for information.

Historical Note

Historical Note
Fred Lawrence Whipple retired as director of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in 1973. He was succeeded by George B. Field, who served in the position until 1983. Irwin I. Shapiro was appointed director in January 1983.

Administration

Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Using the Collection

Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 437, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Office of the Director, Records
Access Restriction
Materials in Box 1 are permanently restricted; see finding aid. Contact reference staff for details.

More Information

Notes

SI Records


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Field, George B., 1929- Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Shapiro, Irwin I. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Whipple, Fred L. (Fred Lawrence), 1906-2004 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Atomic and Molecular Physics Division Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. High Energy Astrophysics Division Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Planetary Sciences Division Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Radio and Geoastronomy Division Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Solar and Stellar Physics Division Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Theoretical Astrophysics Division Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Multiple Mirror Telescope Observatory Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Mt. Hopkins Observatory Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Satellite Tracking Program Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Langley-Abbot Solar Research Program Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Harvard University Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Harvard College Observatory Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Research Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Baker-Nunn camera Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Astrophysical observatories Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Astronomical observatories Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Manuscripts Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Serials (publications) Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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Washington, D.C.
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