Howard Alan Smith
Encyclopedia
Howard Alan Smith, PhD., is a senior astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
, and is the former chair of the astronomy department at Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum
in Washington, DC.
A well-known research scientist with several hundred scholarly publications, he served as a visiting astronomer at NASA
headquarters.
He was co-investigator of Kuiper Airborne Observatory
(KAO) discovery of a stellar laser
at MWC 349.
Active in public education, he has been recognized by Harvard for excellence in teaching. He is a traditional, observant Jew, and has lectured on cosmology
and Kabbalah
for over twenty years.
He taught a cosmology telecourse for Our Learning Company.
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
The Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics is one of the largest and most diverse astrophysical institutions in the world, where scientists carry out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics, earth and space sciences, and science education...
, and is the former chair of the astronomy department at Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. It was established in 1976. Located in Washington, D.C., United States, it is a center for research into the history and science of aviation and...
in Washington, DC.
A well-known research scientist with several hundred scholarly publications, he served as a visiting astronomer at NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
headquarters.
He was co-investigator of Kuiper Airborne Observatory
Kuiper Airborne Observatory
The Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory was a national facility operated by NASA to support research in infrared astronomy. The observation platform was a highly modified C-141A jet transport aircraft with a range of 6,000 nautical miles , capable of conducting research operations up to 48,000...
(KAO) discovery of a stellar laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
at MWC 349.
Active in public education, he has been recognized by Harvard for excellence in teaching. He is a traditional, observant Jew, and has lectured on cosmology
Cosmology
Cosmology is the discipline that deals with the nature of the Universe as a whole. Cosmologists seek to understand the origin, evolution, structure, and ultimate fate of the Universe at large, as well as the natural laws that keep it in order...
and Kabbalah
Kabbalah
Kabbalah/Kabala is a discipline and school of thought concerned with the esoteric aspect of Rabbinic Judaism. It was systematized in 11th-13th century Hachmei Provence and Spain, and again after the Expulsion from Spain, in 16th century Ottoman Palestine...
for over twenty years.
He taught a cosmology telecourse for Our Learning Company.