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Classes of Membership

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Application for admission to the AAS, in any category of membership, requires nomination by Full Members of the American Astronomical Society.

Full Membership

Full Membership is open to any person deemed capable of preparing an acceptable scientific paper on some subject of astronomy or related branch of science. Supporting evidence for nomination to Full Membership should include at least one of the following:

  1. Ph.D. in astronomy or closely related field.
  2. independent or senior authorship of acceptable, refereed, published paper(s).
  3. detailed evidence of significant contribution to astronomy in forms other than research publication.

Full Membership Application Form

Associate Membership

Associate Membership is open to any person, 28 years of age or older who is no longer a student and has not obtained a Ph.D. in astronomy or a related science. This person should be actively involved in the advancement of astronomy or a related science or able to provide evidence of contributions to science.

Associate Membership Application Form

Junior Membership

Junior Membership is open to persons who are either:

  1. under 28 years of age, actively involved in the advancement of astronomy or a related science. Persons in this category normally hold or are studying for a B.S. or equivalent in Astronomy or related field.
  2. full time students, regardless of age, pursuing a degree in astronomy or related science at college level or higher. Full time students must provide proof of student status.

Junior Membership Application Form

International Affiliate Membership

International Affiliate Membership is open to astronomers or scientists in closely related fields who do not reside in the United States. Applicants require either nomination by an active Full Member of the AAS or must be members of an affiliated society that requires nomination for membership. International Affiliates are not eligible for discounts to printed versions of AAS journals.

International Affiliate Membership Application Form

Education Affiliate Membership

Education Affiliate membership is open to persons professionally engaged in astronomy-related education and public outreach and whose principal employment is at community colleges, elementary and secondary schools, science centers, museums, planetariums, or agencies (e.g. National Park Service, Girl Scouts of America).

Education Affiliate Membership Application Form

High School Students & Amateur Astronomers

High School students and amateur astronomers not pursuing a degree in Astronomy or a related science may wish to contact the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP). The ASP provides a variety of information geared toward the amateur astronomer.