The president of the Royal Astronomical Society (prior to 1831 known as President of the Astronomical Society of London) chairs the Council of the
Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) and its formal meetings. They also liaise with government organisations (including the
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the
UK Research Councils), similar societies in other countries, and the
International Astronomical Union on behalf of the UK astronomy and geophysics communities. Future presidents serve one year as President Elect before succeeding the previous president.[1]
The first president was
William Herschel in 1821,[2] though he never chaired a meeting. Since then the post has been held by many distinguished astronomers. The post has generally had a
term of office of two years, but some holders resigned after one year e.g. due to poor health.
Francis Baily and
George Airy were elected a record of four times each. Airy was additionally appointed by Council for a partial term, so served as President a total of five times, more than anyone else. Since 1876 no-one has served for more than two years in total.
^Wilkins, G. A. (1991). "Obituary - 1908-1987 Donald Sadler". Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society. 32: 59.
Bibcode:
1991QJRAS..32...59W.
^"Election results 2019: new RAS Council". Royal Astronomical Society. May 10, 2019.
Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved June 17, 2020. President Elect: Emma Bunce. The President Elect will serve as President Elect for one year and as President for two years.
^Massey, Robert (May 12, 2021).
"Election results 2021: new RAS Council". Royal Astronomical Society. Retrieved January 18, 2023. President-elect (to take office as President from May 2022, serving on Council immediately): Prof. Mike Edmunds.
The president of the Royal Astronomical Society (prior to 1831 known as President of the Astronomical Society of London) chairs the Council of the
Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) and its formal meetings. They also liaise with government organisations (including the
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the
UK Research Councils), similar societies in other countries, and the
International Astronomical Union on behalf of the UK astronomy and geophysics communities. Future presidents serve one year as President Elect before succeeding the previous president.[1]
The first president was
William Herschel in 1821,[2] though he never chaired a meeting. Since then the post has been held by many distinguished astronomers. The post has generally had a
term of office of two years, but some holders resigned after one year e.g. due to poor health.
Francis Baily and
George Airy were elected a record of four times each. Airy was additionally appointed by Council for a partial term, so served as President a total of five times, more than anyone else. Since 1876 no-one has served for more than two years in total.
^Wilkins, G. A. (1991). "Obituary - 1908-1987 Donald Sadler". Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society. 32: 59.
Bibcode:
1991QJRAS..32...59W.
^"Election results 2019: new RAS Council". Royal Astronomical Society. May 10, 2019.
Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved June 17, 2020. President Elect: Emma Bunce. The President Elect will serve as President Elect for one year and as President for two years.
^Massey, Robert (May 12, 2021).
"Election results 2021: new RAS Council". Royal Astronomical Society. Retrieved January 18, 2023. President-elect (to take office as President from May 2022, serving on Council immediately): Prof. Mike Edmunds.