Royal Astronomical Society

The Royal Astronomical Society is the UK’s leading astronomical organisation. Founded in 1820, it not only promotes the scientific investigation of astronomy and solar science, but also geophysics as well. It is based at Burlington House in London and holds regular meeting for its fellows and for the general public.

On January 12, 1820, 14 gentlemen held the first meeting of the Astronomical Society of London at the Freemason’s Tavern in London. As was common for such meetings in those days, this occurred over dinner, travel being more difficult and time consuming. The meetings were a success, so much that in March of that year, the Society was formed. The first President was Sir William Herscel, already a well-respected astronomer at the time. A Royal charter was later signed by William IV in 1831.

From it’s conception, the Royal Astronomical Society had a principle objective to promote astronomy. Meetings were held where the latest research could be presented and discussed. In those early days, the meetings were held at different venues, until 1874 when they moved into Burlington House, were they have been ever since.

One of the central pillars of the society is its Library and archives. Books, instruments and observational records were collected and stored. Currently, they have over 35,000 books and journals. There is also a number of hand written observations donated by well known astronomers of the 19^th century.

To record and publish research, the Royal Astronomical Society began to publish the Monthly Notices in 1829. This publication continues to this day, although it is published 3 times a month, due to the number of papers.

The culture of astronomy has changed considerably since the start of the society. In those days, there were very few professional astronomers. Instead, well-educated ‘gentlemen’ studied the science. Today there are many professional astronomers, and a fair few amateurs. Recently, the Royal Astronomical Society created a new membership called Friends of the Royal Astronomical Society. These friends can attend some of the meetings for free, and even have their own meetings and talks. In this respect, the society is continuing the tradition of encouraging the keen amateur astronomer.