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 priz

es; 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 learn more about the history of astronomy? Come and join us for our free RAS Open House event next month! 🔭🪐See ...
20/08/2026

Want to learn more about the history of astronomy? Come and join us for our free RAS Open House event next month! 🔭🪐

See the architectural features of our building and learn about the Society through self-guided tours, which will include a special display of books, manuscripts and artefacts in our double-height, galleried library. 📚️

There will also be actors bringing to life John Herschel and his pioneering aunt Caroline, as well as a short film in our Lecture Theatre. 🎭️📽️

Morning opening will be from 10am-1pm (with last entry at 12.30pm) and afternoon opening from 2pm-5pm (with last entry at 4.30pm).

No need to book, just turn up on the day!

The eclipse is almost here! ☀️🌒 Want to know how to view it safely but don't have certified solar eclipse glasses? 😎Find...
12/08/2026

The eclipse is almost here! ☀️🌒

Want to know how to view it safely but don't have certified solar eclipse glasses? 😎

Find out more about using kitchen colanders, pinhole viewers, mirrors or how to create projections with binoculars or a telescope 👉️https://ras.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2018-06/SEP.BookletGeneral.v2.MEDres.pdf

While we count down to this evening's eclipse, let's step back in time more than 150 years to the total solar eclipse of...
12/08/2026

While we count down to this evening's eclipse, let's step back in time more than 150 years to the total solar eclipse of 1875...

We rediscovered some photographic glass plates of that eclipse, made during a Royal Society expedition to Siam [Thailand], which will now be returned to our former next-door neighbours just in time for tonight's astronomical spectacle.

Read more about how they were unearthed 129 years after we were loaned them 👉️ https://ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/news/solar-eclipse-1875-photographic-plates-unearthed-after-129-years

Happy solar eclipse day! ☀️🌒 This evening people across the UK will be treated to the country's fullest solar eclipse si...
12/08/2026

Happy solar eclipse day! ☀️🌒

This evening people across the UK will be treated to the country's fullest solar eclipse since 1999.

Around 90-96% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon at the peak, which will take place between 18:58 and 19.15 BST, depending on where you are.

Are you going to watch it? 😎 We'd love to hear about your plans!

🚨 Last chance! 🚨 The deadline for nominations for our 2027 Awards closes on Friday (31 July). 🏅🏆️Find out more about the...
29/07/2026

🚨 Last chance! 🚨

The deadline for nominations for our 2027 Awards closes on Friday (31 July). 🏅🏆️

Find out more about the awards, which recognise significant achievement in the fields of astronomy and geophysics, by scanning the QR code or visiting ras.ac.uk

We are saddened to hear of the death of Professor Ralph A.M.J. Wijers, who was a member of the Editorial Board of Monthl...
29/07/2026

We are saddened to hear of the death of Professor Ralph A.M.J. Wijers, who was a member of the Editorial Board of Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

MNRAS Editor-in-Chief Professor David Flower said: "Ralph had the interests of the journal firmly at heart. He was a perceptive and outspoken contributor to our Board meetings, and he will be sorely missed."

Read more about Professor Wijers' career here: https://ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/news/professor-ralph-amj-wijers-1964-2026

That's it for the 2026 National Astronomy Meeting 🚀🔭 Thank you so much to the organising committee, to our hosts the Uni...
24/07/2026

That's it for the 2026 National Astronomy Meeting 🚀🔭

Thank you so much to the organising committee, to our hosts the University of Birmingham and to everyone who came along or joined us online, either to present their work or to listen to the brilliant research being showcased at the conference.

Next year's NAM will be hosted by the University of Leeds - we look forward to seeing you there! 👋

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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