Bob Simcoe

Q: What is Bob Simcoe email address?

Email Bob Simcoe at rjsimcoe@charter.net and rjsimcoe@cfa.harvard.edu. This email is the most updated Bob Simcoe email found in 2026.

Q: How to contact Bob Simcoe?

To contact Bob Simcoe send an email to rjsimcoe@charter.net or rjsimcoe@cfa.harvard.edu.

associate at Harvard college observatory | Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States

About Bob Simcoe

Bob Simcoe, a long-retired engineer, has found a fulfilling avenue for his expertise through volunteer work at the Harvard College Observatory, specifically within the Digital Access to a Sky Century at Harvard (DASCH) project. After the significant disruptions caused by the MLK Day flood in 2016, Bob played a pivotal role in revitalizing the digitization efforts of the observatory's extensive plate collection. With a remarkable background in embedded systems and hardware architecture, he designed an ultra-high-speed, high-precision digitizer capable of converting the observatory's 500,000 8x10 photographic plates into 750 MB digital files in under a minute each. This innovative solution not only streamlined the digitization process but also ensured the preservation of invaluable astronomical data.

In addition to his work on the digitizer, Bob developed a robotic plate cleaning machine, meticulously engineered to clean each plate's backside before digitization, thereby enhancing the quality of the digital images captured. His proficiency in semiconductors and embedded software has been instrumental in creating robust hardware solutions that meet the demanding requirements of astronomical research. Bob's contributions extend beyond technical skills; his ability to manage complex projects and collaborate with fellow volunteers has been vital in maintaining the momentum of the DASCH initiative. Through his dedication and innovative spirit, Bob Simcoe continues to make significant strides in the field of astronomy, ensuring that decades of celestial observations are preserved and accessible for future generations of researchers and enthusiasts alike.

Bob Simcoe Work