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Hosting a Shapley Visiting Lecture
The AAS Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectures Program brings professional astronomers to schools, colleges, and community organizations across North America. Each visit features a public lecture and can also include a variety of other activities such as classroom visits, star parties, and workshops.
As a host site, you’ll play a key role in connecting your students and community with the excitement of astronomy.
Apply to host a Shapley Lecturer!
Applications for the 2026 program are now open through 31 October 2025.
Eligibility: Host Site Applicants
The Shapley Visiting Lectures Program welcomes applications from a wide variety of institutions and organizations interested in bringing astronomy to their communities.
- Location: Eligible hosts include institutions and organizations across North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Type of Organization: Colleges and universities (including community colleges, HBCUs, and tribal colleges), K–12 schools, museums, libraries, planetariums, community centers, and other nonprofit or educational organizations are welcome to apply. We specifically wish to bring Shapley Lectures to places without a robust astrophysics research program.
- Responsibilities: Host sites must be able to manage local logistics and promotion of the event, including securing a venue and engaging their intended audience.
- Commitment to Broad Engagement: Hosts are strongly encouraged to highlight how their proposed event will reach diverse or underserved audiences.
What AAS Provides
- Travel Support: All travel expenses for the visiting astronomer are fully covered by AAS.
- Host Honorarium: An optional $250 honorarium is available for the lead organizer at the host site (direct to an individual, such as a faculty member).
- Materials Support: AAS provides up to $150 in materials support. This can help offset costs for supplies related to your event.
- Educational Materials:
- AAS Guide to Careers in Astronomy Read online | Download PDF
- Additional outreach and engagement resources [in development].
- Recognition: Public acknowledgment of your organization as an official Shapley Lecture host, with opportunities to connect to a growing network of educators and outreach professionals.
What to Expect as a Host
Host sites are expected to:
- Provide a venue for the lecture (ideally a large lecture hall, auditorium, or community space).
- Help with local logistics such as publicity, event setup, and community engagement.
- Arrange one or more additional activities (classroom visits, star parties, meetings with teachers or leaders, etc.) to complement the public lecture.
- Document your events with photos, videos, and/or testimonials
No previous experience organizing outreach events is required — first-time hosts are welcome!
We encourage hosts to identify local community partners to increase the impact of your programs (for example, a community college could partner with a K-12 school, a local library, a science museum/planetarium, etc; a regional university could partner with a nearby minority-serving college, etc.). Our application provides an opportunity to specify any community partners you’ve identified or are planning to coordinate with.
Working Together for Impact
As a Shapley host, you are opening doors for your students and community to engage directly with a professional astronomer. By partnering with AAS and your visiting Lecturer, you’ll help create an event that inspires curiosity, broadens participation in science, and leaves a lasting impression. Your local knowledge and organizational support are what make this experience possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Shapley Lectures Program receive federal funding?
No. The program is entirely supported by the AAS and the Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectureship Endowment Fund.
Do I need to be an AAS member to host a Shapley Lecture?
No. Membership is not required. However, we encourage hosts to consider joining the AAS to connect more deeply with the astronomy community.
What kinds of communities are you hoping to reach?
We welcome applications from a wide range of institutions, including community colleges, minority-serving institutions, K-12 schools, libraries, museums, and other community organizations – especially those serving audiences with limited access to science outreach.
When can I host a lecture?
Host sites may apply for visits taking place during the 2026 calendar year. You may specify dates that work best for your institution or community, or request that your event align with a local festival, anniversary, or other occasion.
If you have additional Qs:
Email us at [email protected]!
Apply to Host a Shapley Lecturer
Applications to host a Shapley Visiting Lecturer in 2026 are now open.
Shapley Host Application