Supporting the Society

A message from the President

For over two centuries the Royal Astronomical Society has been supporting Astronomy and Geophysics, through its publishing activities, the regular scientific monthly and specialist discussion meetings, its increasing work in the field of education and outreach, and through its respected policy advice to government in the UK and further afield. It also takes its heritage responsibilities seriously, represented by the library, archives and through collaborations for the public display of the astronomical artefacts that it owns. The Society is playing an important role in our science.

The RAS has also worked hard to support the community directly through the 3-year research fellowships (the 'RAS Research Fellowships' and the 'Sir Norman Lockyer Fellowship') and conference/travel grants. It has increased its activity contributing to the policy debates concerning future science funding and the worrying increasing problems of pollution of astronomical skies by light, satellite constellations and radio interference. Reflecting the interests of its many overseas Fellows, the Society works for the development of astronomy and geophysics globally and represents British interests in the International Astronomical Union and International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (the latter in cooperation with other learned societies).

Our activities are funded from membership fees, publishing income, investment income and donations. We could do so much more with even a modest increase in our funding. I hope therefore that you might be in a position to help the Society which is so important in our community. Following the precedent set by my recent predecessors as President, I'd like to remind you that a very simple and effective way to expand our activities is to remember the Society in your will. The Society is a charity and so any bequest is free of inheritance tax in the United Kingdom. If you would like to make a donation or are thinking of leaving a legacy please contact the Executive Director. Any donation, small or large, will have a real and lasting impact, helping to provide a better future for our young scientists.

Thank you in advance.

Prof. Mike Lockwood
President, Royal Astronomical Society