co-founding of the American Astronomical Society

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) was founded in 1899 by a group of professional astronomers who wanted to create a formal community for sharing research, advancing the field, and promoting astronomy education. Co-founding meant collaborating to establish an organization that could support astronomers’ interests, facilitate communication, and organize conferences. This collective effort helped unify astronomers across the U.S., foster scientific progress, and improve the dissemination of astronomical knowledge. The society's founding reflected a shared commitment to scientific excellence and the advancement of astronomy as a discipline.