American astronomical society

Founded in 1899 as the Astronomical and Astrophysical Society of America, in 1914 the name was changed to the American Astronomical Society. Its purpose is the advancement of astronomy and closely related branches of science. The Society became an Associate Member of the American Institute of Physics in 1958, and has been a full Member Society since 1966. It is also affiliated with the International Astronomical Union.

The American Astronomical Society was founded in 1899 as the Astronomical and Astrophysical Society of America. The name was changed in 1914. Its purpose is the advancement of astronomy and closely related branches of science. The Society became an Associate Member of the American Institute of Physics in 1958 and has been a full Member Society since 1966. It is also affiliated with the International Astronomical Union.

The American Astronomical Society was officially established in 1899 to organize individuals involved in the discipline and profession of astronomy. The Society sponsors The Astronomical Journal, while the AJ is published by The University of Chicago Press. The editorial board consists of scholars from various academic institutions, members of the AAS, and representatives of the University of Chicago Press. The Astronomical Journal was founded in 1849 by B.A. Gould and has incorporated coverage of quasars, galaxies, supernova remnants, and studies of the interstellar medium to complement the more traditional areas of astronomy, including galactic structure and dynamics, astrometry, variable and binary stars, solar system studies, and cosmology

The Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectureship Program is organized by the Education Office of the American Astronomical Society. The Lectureship Program began in the early 1970s - then called the Program of Visiting Professors of Astronomy. This program was funded by the National Science Foundation in the beginning, and continued funding comes from endowments from the American Astronomical Society, from the Shapley Endowment Fund, and from fees paid by host institutions. As part of the Lectureship Program, participating astronomers give lectures to promote the understanding of astronomy. These lectures are hosted by colleges and universities across the United States and Canada.