As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, the Astro Society asks how astronomy has shaped America’s scientific and cultural identity, and where will it take us next. Astronomy@250 is a three-day virtual conference hosted by the Astro Society that explores astronomy's remarkable past while innovating and engaging with the discoveries, technologies, and communities that will shape the next 250 years. More than a traditional research meeting, we come together as researchers, educators, science communicators, students, and astronomy enthusiasts in a series of conversations connecting science, history, culture, education, and exploration. Together, we’ll explore the questions that will define the next 250 years.
- Join internationally recognized astronomers, educators, historians, museum professionals,
and science communicators - Contribute to community-led conversations and workshops that connect astronomy with
history, culture, education, technology, and society - Build new collaborations across research, education, engagement, and informal learning
- Be part of a commemorative ASP conference proceedings documenting Astronomy@250
Regular Conference Registration is $195 through August 29
Scholarships are available! We do not want registration fees to be a barrier to participation. Click here to learn more
Astro Society Supporter Level Members get a 10% discount.
If you are a current Supporter Level Member you have been sent a separate email with a discount code. Not a Supporter Level member yet? Join the Astro Society Today!
Confirmed Speakers Include
- Dr. Meg Urry, Yale U., former President, American Astronomical Society
- Dr. Franck Marchis, SETI Institute, SkyMapper CEO
- Bart Fried, Antique Telescope Society President and founder
- Dr. Keshawn Ivory, Vanderbilt U, Black in Astro
- Kaʻiulani Murphy, Polynesian Voyaging Society, University of Hawaiʻi
- Dr. Kim Arcand, CfA, 2025 ASP Klumpke-Roberts Award for astronomy outreach
- More announced soon!
Program Topics:
Ancient Skies, New Nation - Indigenous knowledge systems and astronomy beyond 1776
People Who Changed Astronomy - The individuals, communities, and collaborations behind American accomplishments and discovery
Building the Tools of Discovery - Observatories, technology, and citizen science that change our understanding of the Universe
The Next 250 Years - Future discoveries, space exploration, and the evolving space economy
Teaching the Cosmos - Transforming astronomy education for a changing world
Currently Seeking Sponsors!
Multiple tiers of sponsorship, plus in-kind sponsorship and scholarship funding opportunities, contain numerous benefits such as prominent logo placement, CEO shout-outs during panels and events, featured social media posts, and more.
To learn more, please contact our Director of Development, Karen Thomas Kolber, CFRE, at kkolber@astrosociety.org
Thank you to our amazing sponsors!
