Royal Astronomical Society

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), established in 1820 and now with nearly 4,000 members, promotes the study of astronomy and geophysics including solar and solar-terrestrial physics, planetary and space sciences, solid-Earth geophysics and the “new astronomies” such as astro-particle physics and astrobiology by publishing research journals, organising scientific meetings, maintaining a library, providing grants, supporting outreach, awarding medals and prizes and lobbying government.