Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is the third-largest astronomy organization in the world—and the largest space instrument and data facility in the world, outside of NASA. At SAO, more than 850 scientists—who believe the sky belongs to everyone—are searching for life beyond Earth, measuring the impact of climate change, and revealing how the universe and its diverse planets formed. SAO’s science educators equip educators and learners everywhere with resources to better understand the scientific process, and study and protect our planet.

SAO’s major funding priorities include:

• building instruments for the Giant Magellan Telescope to search for exoplanets with similar characteristics to Earth—and identify those that may support oxygen-based life;
• securing new technology and new geographic sites to study and capture real-time videos of black holes with the next generation Event Horizon Telescope (ngEHT);
• analyzing data from satellite-based instruments TEMPO and MethaneSAT, which measure air pollution and methane emissions;
• sharing education programs including a web-based app that allows people in rural and underserved communities to access TEMPO’s data and learn about local air quality, and a program that provides remote access and real telescopes to classrooms nationwide; and
• increasing the capacity of the advancement team to raise philanthropic support for flagship science projects.