American Astronomical Society

Mission

The education mission of the American Astronomical Society is to optimize the contributions of both the AAS and its members to enhanced science literacy for all, provide encouragement and to broaden educational opportunities for all, with particular attention to groups under-served in the physical sciences, and ensure that undergraduate and graduate programs in astronomy prepare not only the next generation of professional astronomers but also broadly trained individuals with strong technical and scientific backgrounds.

Goals

Its goals are to improve undergraduate and graduate education in astronomy and promote science literacy for all. In the Society, and more widely in the astronomical community, advocate greater attention to, encouragement of, and rewards for both excellence in astronomy education and research on teaching and learning in astronomy. Advocate astronomy and astronomy education in national and state education forums, to funding agencies, and to the scientific and education communities.

News

The International Year of Astronomy 2009

Planning for US IYA 2009 programs is actively underway. If you want to find out more about IYA 2009 and how you can get involved, go to www.astronomy2009.us. For information on the world-wide efforts for IYA 2009 go to the IAU IYA 2009 website.

2007 is The International Heliophysics Year

For more information about IHY events visit http://ihy2007.org

The International Polar Year

The International Polar Year will be 2007-2008; includes both Arctic and Antarctic science as well as circumpolar history, culture and sociology. www.ipy.org

An IYA 2009 Symposium

An IYA 2009 Symposium will be held in June 2008, concurrent with the AAS Semi-annual and the ASP annual meeting. This Symposium is supported by the ASP and the AAS. Stay tuned for further notices.