Contact

MIT Haystack Observatory is located in northeastern Massachusetts, at the intersection of the towns of Westford, Groton, and Tyngsboro.

Visiting

We are a radio science observatory, and we study the universe through radio data. This means that we don’t have traditional optical telescopes for star viewing—but we love to teach everyone about radio science and what the universe looks like in radio wavelengths! We hold public open houses twice a year (currently, this schedule is on hold due to coronavirus concerns). These are great experiences for families and for anyone who is interested in learning about radio science. If you’d like to learn more about how we conduct research, please see our Open House page for information on visiting.

Our grounds are open to the public on weekdays. Please call or email with questions about visiting Haystack, as we do not have drop-in hours.

Careers

Applications are most welcome: this is a great place to work!

For a list of current open positions at MIT Haystack Observatory, please see the MIT job site, https://hr.mit.edu/careers, and search on the keyword haystack. We accept resumes only through the MIT job site. 

Staff

Please see the Haystack Directory for individual staff contact information.

Directions

1. Take route 3 to exit 86, route 40; head west on route 40. Follow route 40 west for about 5 miles. You will go past signs for MIT Wallace Astrophysical Observatory (MIT WAO) on the right; do not take this turn. Haystack is about half a mile west of Wallace on route 40.
2. Look for the MIT Haystack/MIT Lincoln signs at the bottom of the hill; turn right into this driveway.
3. Keep going past the first buildings on this driveway, and through the gate (open during weekday daytime hours). If the gate is closed, use the phone at the gate to call the guard and request access. Keep going past the Westford telescope at the gate.
4. At the MIT Lincoln parking lot, follow the road as it curves left at the parking lot and keep going all the way up the hill to the large white radome at the top.
5. Park anywhere in the main lot and enter through the front door. Please see the receptionist.