The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge sponsors a variety of free programs for the public. Among these events are Observatory Nights on the third Thursday of the month, specially scheduled Kids Academy, Sci-Fi Movie Nights, and Star Parties.

These events--unless otherwise noted--are held in Phillips Auditorium (at the rear of the CfA complex near Madison Street and large parking lot), 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, about 1 mile west of Harvard Square. No reservations are necessary, but seating is limited to the auditorium's capacity.

Monthly Observatory Night Thursday, February 18, 2010, 7:30 pm: "Putting the Pedal to the Metal: The Mystery of the Accelerating Universe," Robert Kirshner, CfA
Perhaps once a century, scientists make a discovery so dramatic that it rewrites our understanding of the physical universe. In 1998, two teams studying Type Ia supernovae found evidence for dark energy - a mysterious anti-gravity force that's speeding up the universe's expansion. Tonight, hear from one of the key players in this revolutionary find as he explains what we know, and what we don't know about dark energy and its role in the past, present, and future of the cosmos. (Click here for the entire Winter-Spring schedule.)
Watch it live

F.L. Whipple Observatory Star Party Saturday, February 20, 2010, 5:00 pm, Amado, Arizona
The Smithsonian Institution's Whipple Observatory in Amado, Arizona, will present an Open House and Star Party for the public. Observing will begin after 7:00 pm with telescopes provided courtesy of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and Sonora Astronomical Society.

Author's Night - Special Event for Kids Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 7:30 pm: "SuperStars: The Biggest, Hottest, Brightest, and Most Explosive Stars in the Milky Way," David Aguilar, CfA
Everyone knows that those bright, white dots in the night sky are stars; but how many of us really know what stars are, how they're born, how their lives affect ours, and how they die? SuperStars! is a new book that expands the knowledge and fires the imaginations of young stargazers everywhere. Expert David Aguilar guides young readers through a galaxy of stars--including the biggest, fastest spinning, and most explosive - not to mention stellar nurseries and "diamonds in the sky." SuperStars! is a title that will intrigue kids and bring all those mesmerizing balls of light in the night sky to life.

Special Event Saturday, April 24, 2010, 7:30 pm: "The Universe: 2010 and Beyond," Charles Alcock, CfA
In 2010, what great mysteries now confront astronomy? What do the next generation of observatories look like? Dr. Charles Alcock, Director of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, looks ahead in this new century of astronomical discovery. We also will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Observatory Nights. Enjoy special tours of the 15" Great Refractor, see historic images of the universe from 1930 to today, and join us and the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston to view the heavens - weather permitting.

Author's Night Thursday, May 27, 2010, 7:30 pm: "How to Find a Habitable Planet," James Kasting
Ever since Frank Drake and Carl Sagan first predicted that extraterrestrial civilizations must number in the millions, the search for life on other planets has gripped our imagination. Is Earth so rare that advanced life forms like us - or even the simplest biological organisms - are unique to the universe? Or might twin Earths be relatively common in our galaxy? How to Find a Habitable Planet describes how scientists are testing Drake and Sagan's prediction, and demonstrates why Earth may not be so rare after all.

For more information, including accessibility, or to sign up for the events mailing list, call the Public Affairs Office, (617) 495-7461 or email pubaffairs@cfa. Please request sign-language interpretation at least 2 weeks before the event. Current sky information is available.

The CfA is easily reached by public transportation. From the Harvard MBTA Station (Red Line), take any bus or trackless trolley going west on Concord Avenue (Arlmont Village and Belmont Center buses, Huron Avenue trolleys) and get off at "Observatory Hill."