Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Radio and Geoastronomy Division.

The Radio and Geoastronomy Division was formed in fiscal year 1979 by the combination of two existing divisions, Radio Astronomy and Geoastronomy. The first of these two was formed in1973 under the reorganization of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) conducted by new Director George B. Field. Arthur Edward Lilley, Professor of Radio-Astronomy at Harvard University, was appointed Associate Director of SAO in charge of this Division, a position he retained through the merger.

The Division of Geoastronomy was formed in 1970 under the direction of George Charles Weiffenbach, who joined SAO in 1969. Weiffenbach retained the directorship until 1976, when John C. Gregory took over as acting Associate Director until the merger of the two divisions.