Science, or in particular astronomy, is a field that interests a great deal of our population. While some follow their passion and make it into a career, others are not quite fortunate to make the transition. However, this does not have to mean that they cannot take an active part in something they love. Not every astrophile has to become an astronomer or astronaut.
There are astronomical societies all over the world that promote studying in fields related to everything astronomy, organise scientific events and meetings, publish researches and journals as well as award prizes and medals. Anyone can join an astronomical society; most of them charge a fee to become a member.
Most of you will find an astronomical society in any country live, even more than one. however, there are some that are better than others. Here is a list of the top 10 astronomical societies in different parts of the world.
Société Astronomique De France
The first astronomical society in this list is the French astronomical society Société astronomique de France or SAF. It is a non-profit organisation in public interest functioning under the French law Association Ioi de 1901. It was founded in 1887 by astronomer Camille Flammarion to promote the practice and development of astronomy. The society started with a small group of 11 members close to the Paris Observatory. Since then, the society has had exactly 49 presidents, the current one being Patrick Baradeau who is a historian and publisher. They have two observatories, with an extensive library, which is available for research to everyone, including the non-members.
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
What started as an astronomical club in Toronto with only 8 astrophiles is now the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) with more than 5000 members and 29 centers all over the country. The first meeting was held on the 1st of December, 1868 with 8 non-professionals who were just normal working-class citizens, in love with astronomy. All the twenty-nine centers in Canada host free sessions and astronomical actives for everyone interested. The current president of the EASC is Chris Gainor.
Astronomical Society of Australia
The Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) was established in 1966 and is incorporated in the Federal Capital Territory of Australia. It is a professional body that represents everyone who is “capable of contributing to the advancement of astronomy or a closely related field”. This means that all the members are either active astronomers, post graduate students in all the related fields, retired astronomers and some amateur astronomers as well. The first vice president of the society was astronomer Ben Gascoigne. The 600-member society sponsors various awards like the Book Prize, Charlene Heisler Prize, and David Allen prize among others.
Chinese Astronomical Society
The Chinese Astronomical Society (CAS) was founded more than eighty years ago under the “May the 4th Movement”. The pioneers of modern astronomy in china felt the need to establish an organisation that promoted the development of astronomical research and popularised the astronomical knowledge in the public. They also believed that science is important for progress of every human being and studying in a group discussion is the most productive. The society now has 11 professional commissions, 6 working committees and 1651 total members that include 272 IAU members.
Astronomical Society of Japan
The astronomical society of Japan is an incorporated society that was founded on January 19, 1908. The main aim of the society has always been to promote astronomy and educate everyone about its advancements. The society was incorporated by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. It has currently 3000 active members that include professionals and non-professionals. There are 5 different types of memberships available, which includes a special one for students at different fees.
Astronomical Society of India
Established in 1972 by Vainu Bappu, the Astronomical Society of India has become the prime associations of professional astronomers in the country. There are approximately 1000 members in the society. Just like all the other societies in the world, the organisation’s objectives are promoting astronomy and other branches of science related to astronomy in India. The current president of the society is GC Anupama, who is the first ever women president heading the society. She has been the editor of the publication Bulletin Astronomical Society of India from 2006 to 2010, which the official publication of the society.
Euro-Asian Astronomical Society
The Euro-Asian Astronomical Society (EAAS) is an international society, officially registered in Russia by the Ministry of Low of Russian Federation. It was created in April 1990 and is mainly running in NIS. Apart from the primary objective of promoting astronomy, their goal is to reinforce scientific associations between Russia’s astronomers and their colleagues from all over the world. It operates in 2 languages – Russian and English. Currently, there are about 750 members in the society that belong from 31 countries.
The Royal Astronomical Society
Previously known as the Astronomical Society of London, the Royal Astronomical Society was formed 200 years ago on March 10, 1820. It is a learned society, NGO and registered charity the promotes and encourages the study of solar system, astronomy, geophysics and related branches. The society has more than 4000 members known as ‘fellows’, mostly researchers and postgraduate students. The RAS holds scientific meetings every month in London, publishes several scientific journals, maintains a research library and issue awards annually.
European Association for Astronomical Education
The European Association for Astronomical Education (EAAE) is a not for profit European organisation that promotes scientific education in general and particularly astronomy. It was founded in Athens on 25th November 1995 after a workshop on teaching astronomy in secondary schools in Europe. There are 3 working groups that promote international activities – “collaborative projects”, “catch a star” and “summer schools”.
American Astronomical Society
Located in Washington, D.C., the American Astronomical Society is a non-government organisation of professional astronomers, mathematicians, engineers, geologists and anyone else whose interests lie within the spectrum of subjects comprising astronomy. It was founded in 1899 by George Ellery Hale with the purpose of “To enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the Universe”. Currently it has 7000 society members, which makes it one of the biggest astronomical societies in the world.
