Royal Astronomical Society facts for kids
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The entrance to the Royal Astronomical Society in London.
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| Abbreviation | RAS |
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| Formation | 10 March 1820 |
| Type | NGO, learned society |
| Legal status | Registered charity |
| Purpose | To promote the sciences of astronomy & geophysics |
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Professional title
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Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (FRAS) |
| Headquarters | Burlington House |
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| King Charles III | |
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President
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Mike Edmunds |
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Executive Director
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Philip Diamond |
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Formerly called
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Astronomical Society of London (1820–31) |
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) is a special group that helps people learn about space and Earth. It is a charity that supports the study of astronomy (space science), solar-system science, and geophysics (Earth science). Its main office is in Burlington House in London. The society has over 4,000 members. These members are called fellows. Most of them are professional scientists or students studying these subjects. About one-fourth of the fellows live outside the UK.
The society holds science meetings every month in London. It also has a big yearly meeting called the National Astronomy Meeting. This meeting happens in different places across the British Isles. The RAS publishes science magazines like Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society and Astronomy & Geophysics.
The RAS has a huge library filled with books about space. It also teaches the public about astronomy. The society gives advice to the UK government on how to teach astronomy in schools. Each year, the RAS gives out awards and prizes for great work in astronomy and geophysics. Their top award is the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society. The RAS is also part of bigger science groups like the International Astronomical Union.
Contents
History of the Royal Astronomical Society
The society started in 1820. It was first called the Astronomical Society of London. Its goal was to help with space research. Back then, most members were 'gentleman astronomers'. These were people who studied astronomy as a hobby, not as a job.
In 1831, the society became the Royal Astronomical Society. This happened after King William IV gave them a special permission called a Royal Charter.
Women Joining the Society
For many years, from 1835 to 1916, women could not become full members. However, some women were made honorary members. These included Anne Sheepshanks, Lady Margaret Lindsay Huggins, Agnes Clerke, Annie Jump Cannon, and Williamina Fleming.
In 1886, Isis Pogson tried to become the first woman fellow. Her father and two other members suggested her. But her request was stopped. Lawyers said that the society's rules only talked about "he" for members. This meant only men could join.
In 1915, a new rule was added. This rule allowed women to become fellows. On January 14, 1916, five women were finally chosen as fellows. They were Mary Adela Blagg, Ella K Church, A Grace Cook, Irene Elizabeth Toye Warner, and Fiammetta Wilson.
Who Can Join the RAS?
The Royal Astronomical Society has different types of members.
Fellows of the RAS
Full members of the RAS are called Fellows. They can use the letters FRAS after their name. Anyone over 18 can become a Fellow if the society agrees. You don't need special school degrees to join. This is because the society started before there were many professional astronomers. But today, about three-quarters of the fellows are professional astronomers or geophysicists. The society helps these professionals in the UK. Fellows can even apply for a special status called Chartered Scientist. In 2003, the number of fellows went over 3,000.
Friends of the RAS
In 2009, the society started a group for people who love space but don't have special degrees. This group is called the Friends of the RAS. Friends can attend fun talks, go on visits, and join social events.
Meetings and Events
The Society holds many different kinds of meetings.
National Astronomy Meeting
The biggest meeting each year is the National Astronomy Meeting. This is a large conference for professional astronomers. It lasts for 4 to 5 days in the spring or early summer. It usually takes place at a university in the United Kingdom. Hundreds of astronomers attend this event every year.
Monthly Highlight Meetings
Smaller meetings happen more often. These 'highlight' meetings have talks about new discoveries in space and Earth science. Often, the speakers are winners of the society's awards. These meetings are usually held in Burlington House in London. They happen on the second Friday of each month from October to May. The talks are made for a wide audience of scientists. Anyone can attend for free, not just members.
Public Lectures
The RAS also offers talks for everyone, not just scientists. These are called public lectures. They usually happen once a month on Tuesdays. The same talk is given twice: once at lunchtime and once in the evening. These lectures are free. Sometimes, you need to book your spot in advance because they are very popular.
The RAS Library
The Royal Astronomical Society has a huge collection of books and magazines. These are all about astronomy and geophysics. Its library has more than 10,000 books. It also gets about 300 new magazines each year. The RAS library has one of the best collections of old, rare astronomy books in the UK. It is a very important place for scientists and historians.
Education and Outreach
The society helps teach the public about astronomy. It has special pages online for students, teachers, and anyone interested. The RAS also gives advice on school exams in the UK, like GCSEs and A Levels.
Awards and Prizes
The highest award from the Royal Astronomical Society is its Gold Medal. This medal is given for amazing achievements over a lifetime. Famous winners include Albert Einstein in 1926 and Stephen Hawking in 1985.
Other awards are given for specific areas of research. These include the Eddington Medal and the Herschel Medal. There are also awards for teaching (Patrick Moore Medal), talking to the public about science (Annie Maunder Medal), and making science tools (Jackson-Gwilt Medal). Each year, the society also gives free lifetime memberships to important scientists from other countries.
Other Activities of the RAS
The society has offices at Burlington House in London. Members and other interested people can use the library and meeting rooms there. The society also talks to the UK government about space and Earth sciences. It has a press office that tells the media and public about new discoveries. The society also gives money to support good projects in astronomy and geophysics.
See also
In Spanish: Real Sociedad Astronómica para niños
- National Astronomy Week (NAW)
- List of astronomical societies
- List of geoscience organizations
