Royal Astronomical Society

Royal Astronomical Society The Royal Astronomical Society is a learned society and charity, based in the UK, which works to advance the sciences of astronomy and geophysics.

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. The RAS organizes scientific meetings in Burlington House, its London HQ, and throughout the country; publishes international research and review journals; recognizes outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes; maintains an extensive library; supports education through grants and outreach activities; and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 3000 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific researchers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others.

Want to hear about some of the weirdest planets ever discovered? 🪐👽️ We're kicking off our 2026/27 Public Talk programme...
09/10/2026

Want to hear about some of the weirdest planets ever discovered? 🪐👽️

We're kicking off our 2026/27 Public Talk programme by taking our audience on a tour through some of the most peculiar exoplanets discovered to date – some stranger than those imagined by science fiction.

From scorching 'two-faced' gas giants that are half planet and half star, to mysterious super-Earths, Dr Ryan MacDonald will detail some of the most fascinating worlds in the Milky Way.

📅 Tuesday 20 October
⏰ 6-7pm
📍 RAS & online
🎟️ FREE - Book via https://ras.ac.uk/events-and-meetings/ras-public-lectures-and-events/public-talk-strangest-planets-our-galaxy

🚨Reminder🚨 There's still time to sign up for our book showcase evening exploring the future of the Northern Lights.The s...
25/09/2026

🚨Reminder🚨

There's still time to sign up for our book showcase evening exploring the future of the Northern Lights.

The special event marks the publication of the expanded second edition of a book by astronomer, author and 'aurora chaser' Tom Kerss.

📅 28 September
⏰ 6-8pm
📍 RAS, Burlington House
🎟️ £15

The event will include:
- Talk 🗣️✅️
- Drinks reception 🥂✅️
- Book signing ✍️✅️

Book your place at: https://ras.ac.uk/events-and-meetings/ras-public-lectures-and-events/book-showcase-exploring-future-northern-lights

Are formal conference proceedings still a valuable use of the astronomical community’s time and resources?That's what th...
25/09/2026

Are formal conference proceedings still a valuable use of the astronomical community’s time and resources?

That's what the International Astronomical Union would like to get feedback about by inviting the global astronomical community to participate in an anonymous online survey.

Its aim is to help determine whether published proceedings should remain a requirement for future IAU Symposia and Focus Meetings.

Take part here 👉️ https://iau.secure-platform.com/site/solicitations/102034/home

Stargazing news! ✨🌃From 1-4 October stargazing beginners in the UK and Ireland can take part in an initiative called '10...
21/09/2026

Stargazing news! ✨🌃

From 1-4 October stargazing beginners in the UK and Ireland can take part in an initiative called '100 Hours Under One Sky'.

It features four simple challenges, with the chance to win badges and put your mark on a shared map.

Find out more at: https://100hours.online

What does the Open House tour of the RAS include? 🪐🚀 Learn more about us with a film in the lecture theatre exploring ou...
19/09/2026

What does the Open House tour of the RAS include? 🪐🚀

Learn more about us with a film in the lecture theatre exploring our history and what we do 🎥 📺️

Browse fascinating artefacts on display in our library 📚️🔭

And on the top floor, meet famous astronomers from a bygone era Caroline Herschel and her nephew John ☄️🎭️

Come and explore the Royal Astronomical Society! 💫🚀🪐 Today we've thrown open our doors as part of Open House festival, o...
19/09/2026

Come and explore the Royal Astronomical Society! 💫🚀🪐

Today we've thrown open our doors as part of Open House festival, offering self-guided tours for members of the public to find out more about what we do and how we began.

Join us any time between now and 1pm, or from 2-5pm this afternoon (last entry 4.30pm). We look forward to seeing you! 👋

Calling all early-career scientists!🧑‍🔬We're delighted to announce that we're now accepting applications for two RAS Res...
18/09/2026

Calling all early-career scientists!🧑‍🔬

We're delighted to announce that we're now accepting applications for two RAS Research Fellowships.

The fellowships provide up to three years of support, with an expected start date of 1 October 2027.

Find out more at www.ras.ac.uk

Visiting London this weekend? Why not come and tour the Royal Astronomical Society! 🔭🪐 We'll be open tomorrow for self-g...
18/09/2026

Visiting London this weekend? Why not come and tour the Royal Astronomical Society! 🔭🪐

We'll be open tomorrow for self-guided tours as part of Open House festival, giving visitors the chance to learn more about the history of astronomy and geophysics.

Morning opening: 10am-1pm (last entry 12.30pm)
Afternoon opening: 2pm-5pm (last entry 4.30pm)

No need to book, just turn up!

Are you a keen astrophotographer? 🪐🌌🔭📸In November we'll be launching a new photography competition called RAStroPhoto to...
14/09/2026

Are you a keen astrophotographer? 🪐🌌🔭📸

In November we'll be launching a new photography competition called RAStroPhoto to mark the 200th anniversary of our journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

It's free to enter and open to everybody! Scan the QR code to register your interest or visit: https://www.rastrophoto.ras.ac.uk

Address

50-52 Piccadilly
London
W1J0BQ

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm

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