Pro-Am Collaboration at AAS 247 in Phoenix

Are you an amateur astronomer interested in doing groundbreaking scientific research? Are you a professional astronomer in search of supporting observations for your research or skilled help for your citizen-science program? If you’re planning on attending the 247th American Astronomical Society (AAS) meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, 4–8 January 2026, you’re in luck: A session on pro-am collaboration will take place there at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, 6 January.

The 90-minute session will begin with short talks from notable amateurs who have received the AAS Chambliss Amateur Achievement Award. This year’s recipient, Richard Donnerstein, will share his journey from retiring as a pediatric cardiologist to participating in the University of Arizona–led Systematically Measuring Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies (SMUDGes) project. The 2020 awardee, Dennis Conti, leads the Exoplanets Section of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) and will describe the AAVSO’s exoplanet projects and some of his own contributions. In addition, Sky & Telescope’s Editor in Chief will say a few words on the magazine’s role in pro-am endeavors.

Next will be a roundtable discussion featuring professional and amateur astronomers collaborating on joint projects. Professionals, including those involved in citizen science, will be invited to advertise their needs to the audience. And amateurs will have the opportunity to showcase their capabilities and equipment, time availability, sky quality, and interests.

So, if you’re an amateur or a professional interested in participating in the roundtable discussion, please drop us a line at [email protected]. 

Check the AAS 247 program page for information on the “Promoting Professional-Amateur Collaboration in Astronomy” splinter meeting. We hope to see you in Phoenix!