Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy (CSWA)

About

The Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy was established in 1979. We serve staggered 3-year terms. Our charge is to recommend to the AAS Board of Trustees practical measures that can be taken to improve the status of women in astronomy and encourage their entry into this field. We have several electronic publications: AASWomen, a weekly newsletter; the Women in Astronomy Blog, and Status, a semiannual magazine. We organize special sessions and Town Halls at each AAS meeting, and our members have contributed extensively to the organization of international meetings on the status of women in astronomy.

AASWomen Women in Astronomy Blog

Membership is open to all interested AAS members, regardless of their status or background.

History:

Established June 1, 1979.

Members:

Originally five members — two men and three women — appointed by the Board of Trustees in June, preferably from a list of volunteers. Enlarged to 12 members in 2012.

Term:

Three years, June to June; staggered; from the close of one Annual Members' Meeting to the close of the next Annual Members' Meeting.

Chair:

Appointed by the AAS Board; three-year term, from the June business meeting to June business meeting.

Charge:

Recommends to the Board of Trustees practical measures that the AAS can take to improve the status of women in astronomy and encourage their entry into this field.