Einstein Observatory

The Einstein Observatory (High Energy Astronomical Observatory 2, HEAO-2; known as HEAO-B prior to launch) was a pioneering space astronomy mission which flew from 1978 to 1981. It was the first imaging X-ray telescope in orbit to be used for extrasolar astronomy, following the success of the Skylab solar X-ray telescope. Together with IUE, it was one of the first NASA missions with a guest observer program, helping create today's broad community of space scientists. The HEAO-B X-ray telescope was designed by SAO's Leon van Speybroeck, and the mission was conceived by Riccardo Giacconi and operated by the former American Science and Engineering group at CfA in collaboration with the managing NASA center, Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

We hope to put historical materials from the HEAO-2/Einstein mission in this area. To start off with, Fred Seward has provided the digitized Einstein Slide Collection, used for talks and presentations by Einstein staff during and after the mission.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to Alaalden Ibrahim for help in preparing the digital materials.