Royal Astronomical Society

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) began as the Astronomical Society of London in 1820 to support astronomical research (mainly carried on at the time by 'gentleman astronomers' rather than professionals). It became the Royal Astronomical Society in 1831 on receiving its Royal Charter from William IV. A Supplemental Charter in 1915 opened up the fellowship to women. It is the UK adhering organisation to the International Astronomical Union and a member of the Science Council.

Presidents

The first person to hold the title of President of the Royal Astronomical Society was William Herschel, though he never chaired a meeting, and since then the post has been held by many distinguished astronomers. The post is currently offered for a period of two years.

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Recent Presidents:

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• 1992 Martin Rees
• 1994 Carole Jordan
• 1996 Malcolm Longair
• 1998 David Williams
• 2000 Nigel Weiss
• 2002 Jocelyn Bell Burnell
• 2004 Kathryn Whaler

Notable former Presidents:

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• John Herschel
• George Airy
• Arthur Cayley
• John Couch Adams
• Charles Pritchard
• William Lassell
• James Glaisher
• George Darwin
• Edward Stone
• Arthur Eddington
• Arthur Milne
• William McCrea
• Fred Hoyle