Astronomical Society of the Pacific
National/International organizations
390 Ashton Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94112
United States
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific was founded in 1889 by a group of Northern California professional and amateur astronomers after joining together to view a rare total solar eclipse. The ASP's earliest purpose was to disseminate astronomical information - a mission which has flourished with astronomers' inexhaustible exploration of the universe. The ASP has become the largest general astronomy society in the world, with members from over 70 nations. The ASP Board of Directors is comprised of members of the astronomy, educational, and amateur communities.
The ASP has also developed into the recognized leader in the field of astronomy education. Our free teachers' newsletter, The Universe in the Classroom, is posted on the web. With the support of the National Science Foundation and NASA, the ASP sponsors Project ASTRO, an innovative program to pair amateur and professional astronomers with teachers and classes. Our staff works regularly with the media to guide journalists reporting science and to explain it to the public in easily understood terms. Recently, the ASP was selected to assist in the development and operation of the Public Education Program (E/PO) for NASA's exciting SOFIA project. Follow this link if you'd like to find out more about partnering with the ASP on future E/PO proposals.
The ASP's professional astronomer members are the backbone of our Society's membership. It is their desire to share the rich rewards of their work with the public which permits the ASP to act as a bridge, explaining the mysteries of the universe. These dedicated scientists regularly donate their time and energy to speak at our Annual Meeting, write for Mercury magazine, and to create products for us to market and distribute. For these members, the ASP publishes the Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (PASP), a well-respected monthly scientific journal. We also provide an important service to the astronomical community through our affordable Conference Series volumes which publish the proceedings of important scientific conferences.
For more information, call 415-337-1100
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