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The `Astronomical Society of London' was conceived on 1820 January 12 when 14 gentlemen sat down to dinner at the Freemason's Tavern, in Lincoln's Inn Fields, London. After an unusually short gestation the new Society was born on 1820 March 10 with the first meeting of the Council and the Society as a whole. An early setback, when Sir Joseph Banks induced the Duke of Somerset to withdraw his agreement to be the first President, was overcome when Sir William Herschel agreed to be the titular first President, though he never actually took the Chair at a meeting.
The original objectives were simply the promotion of Astronomy; the newer subject of Geophysics, which had been steadily gaining ground in the interests of the Fellows, was added later. After much negotiation a Royal Charter was signed by William IV on 1831 March 7, and the Society assumed the name it has used ever since.
The Society's history is recorded in detail in 2 volumes, available for purchase in hardback and in paperback. Volume 1 covers 1820 to 1920, and volume 2 1920 to 1980.
A virtual tour of the Burlington House apartments is available.
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
The Royal Astronomical Society promotes the study of its sciences by means of:
- the publication of research in its journals
- scientific meetings
- the award of modest grants
- educational activities
- the maintenance of a comprehensive reference library
The roundel of the Society incorporates the motto of Sir William Herschel, its first President, quicquid nitet notandum ('whatever shines should be observed')
The Society’s apartments are situated in Burlington House (off London’s Piccadilly, approximately half-way between Green Park and Piccadilly underground stations. Bus services 9, 14, 19, 22 and 38 pass the entrance). You may consult a Streetmap.com map by clicking here
2009 is the International Year of Astronomy. See http://www.astronomy2009.co.uk/ to find details of events taking place near you.
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