Astronomy is a truly international science, as evidenced by the number of organisations worldwide devoted to its pursuit. Explore these websites to learn more.
Organisations & Associations
- American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) – international organisation of amateur and professional astronomers interested in variable stars.
- American Astronomical Society (AAS) – umbrella organisation of professional astronomers in the United States.
- Astronomical League – the world’s largest federation of amateur astronomers.
- Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) – an international non-profit organisation of professional & amateur astronomers working towards an increased understanding and appreciation of astronomy.
- British Astronomical Association (BAA) – the voice of amateur astronomy in the UK. Membership is open to all persons interested in astronomy.
- International Astronomical Union (IAU) – promotes and safeguards the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.
- International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) – dedicated to preserving our heritage of dark skies through quality outdoor lighting.
- International Meteor Organisation (IMO) – fosters cooperation between amateur observers ensuring the comprehensive study of meteor showers and their relation to comets and interplanetary dust.
- International Planetarium Society (IPS) – is the international organisation of planetariums.
- The Planetary Society – non-profit organisation to encourage the exploration of our solar system and the search for extra-terrestrial life.
- The SETI Institute – conducts scientific research and educational projects relevant to the origin, nature, prevalence, and distribution of life in the universe.
Observatories
- Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) – the new millimetre array being built in Chile by a variety of international partners.
- European Southern Observatory (ESO) – is an intergovernmental, European organisation for astronomical research which operates observatories in Chile, including the VLT.
- Gemini Observatory – the International Gemini Project homepage.
- Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) – a new multi-element, interferometric imaging telescope designed for low frequencies (10-240 MHz)
- National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) – a radio astronomy research facility, operating the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) and the Ooty Radio Telescope.
- National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) – represents the US optical astronomical community and operates various observatories, including Kitt Peak, Cerro Tololo, National Solar Observatory.
- National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) – is a radio astronomy research facility, operating four radio telescopes: the VLA, the VLBI, the GBT and ALMA.
- Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) – a radio astronomy research facility, operating the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) and the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR).
- Square Kilometre Array (SKA) – the international SKA website, providing the next generation of facilities in radio astronomy.
Space Associations
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) – NASA’s lead centre for robotic exploration of the solar system.
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – US administration whose mission is to understand and protect the Earth, to explore the Universe and search for life.
- Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) – dedicated to the exploration of the universe using the Hubble Space Telescope and successors.
Physics Organisations
- American Institute of Physics (AIP) – a non-profit organisation with the purpose of promoting the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of physics and its application to human welfare.
- American Physical Society (APS) – American organisation with the objective of the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of physics.
- European Physical Society – organisation of more than 70 000 European Physicists.