American Astronomical Society

At the present time, the AAS is closely monitoring the status of the H1N1 virus outbreak and any implications it may have for our upcoming June meeting in Pasadena. The government has not advised the public to limit or restrict travel, nor have they advised organizations to cease holding group functions.

The Galileoscope is a high-quality, low-cost telescope kit developed as a Cornerstone Project of the International Year of Astronomy 2009. For just $15 plus shipping, you get a 50-mm f/10 achromatic refractor that snaps together in less than 5 minutes and gives great views of the celestial wonders that Galileo first glimpsed 400 years ago: lunar craters and mountains, Jupiter’s moons, the phases of Venus, Saturn's rings, and the Pleiades and Beehive star clusters. It comes with a 25x eyepiece and 2x Barlow lens, accepts standard 1¼-inch accessories, and attaches to any photo tripod (not included). Two educational activity guides are already available, and more are coming. You can download these guides, and order small numbers of Galileoscopes using a credit card or PayPal, at http://www.galileoscope.org. Institutions wishing to place orders of 100 or more get a discounted price of $12.50 per kit, save on shipping via freight service, and may pay by purchase order. To initiate a large order of 100+ kits, fill out the Request for Quotation form.

The AAS has now received funds from the NSF to fund the International Travel Grant Program for 2009.

• Deadlines
• Final Reports
• Policy on Interim (late) Proposals
• Consult Travel Advisories
• Visa Information

Although it is not required to be an IAU member to attend the IAU General Assembly, US astronomers are strongly encouraged to apply for membership in the IAU. Potential members can either download a membership form to submit in hardcopy or, preferably, use the new online form. Both are available using the following links:

Download USNC-IAU Membership Application Form
USNC-IAU Online Membership Application Form
Download ITG Program Application Form

Astro2010, the National Research Council's Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal survey is underway. Please visit the official Astro2010 website for full details including Frequently Asked Questions and updates from the decadal chair.   This page is updated with decadal survey information, as well as updates posted regularly on the AAS Public Policy Blog.  A special section of the AAS Forums have been set up to facilitate collaboration on science white papers.

The 62nd General Assembly of the United Nations has designated 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy. Working with the IAU, ASP, AAVSO, Astronomical League, IDA and other astronomy partners, the AAS will help organize and carry out a dynamic program of activities for the International Year of Astronomy.

For further details, see the IYA-USA web page at: www.astronomy2009.us