Policy Blog
The AAS Public Policy team uses the Policy Blog to communicate with the membership about current events in the science policy world. Most policy blog posts are written by the John N. Bahcall Public Policy Fellow.
AAS Resources during the Coronavirus Pandemic
21 May 2020
In this challenging time of anxiety about COVID-19 and how it’s changing our lives, we want to share the resources available to the astronomy community.
New Report Shows Americans Continue to Value Science
19 May 2020
When it comes to Americans’ confidence in institutional leaders, scientists can feel good about their track record, according to a new report from the National Science Board.
Webinar on the Impacts of Satellite Constellations on OIR Astronomy
19 May 2020
On 26 May the AAS and the Satellite Industry Association will host an informational webinar on the impacts of satellite constellations on ground-based optical and infrared astronomy. You must register to attend.
SpaceX Describes Efforts to Minimize Adverse Effects of Starlink Satellites on Astronomy
30 Apr 2020
Based on testimony to the Astro2020 Decadal Survey, SpaceX has posted a rather lengthy and detailed update on its efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of its Starlink satellite constellation on ground-based astronomy.
AAS Member Avi Loeb to Join White House Science Advisory Panel
22 Apr 2020
Abraham Loeb (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian) will be nominated to serve on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
COVID-19 Response from NASA
7 Apr 2020
Looking for information regarding NASA's response to COVID-19? You can find some useful resources on this page.
President's FY 2021 Budget Request
3 Apr 2020
The Trump administration released the President's FY 2021 Budget Request on 10 February. Here we provide some detail about the funding for NASA, NSF, DOE, and NIST.
On the President's Budget Request for FY 2021
13 Feb 2020
AAS President Megan Donahue offers some thoughts on astronomically relevant sections of the President's Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2021.
IAU Issues Update on Satellite Constellations' Potential Impacts on Astronomy
12 Feb 2020
The International Astronomical Union summarizes our current understanding of the impacts that megaconstellations of communication satellites may have on astronomical observations and on the visual appearance of the night...
Symposium on the Future of US Science Policy Convenes on 26 February
6 Feb 2020
The National Academy of Sciences, Kavli Foundation, and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation will host a symposium in Washington, DC, to consider the future of science in the US and how it can best serve society. Attend in person...