BellaOnline Forums Education Astronomy Happy Anniversary, Royal Astronomical Society

On January 12, 1820 the Astronomical Society of London was founded. (It changed its name to the Royal Astronomical Society when it was granted a royal charter in 1831.) John Herschel was active in its founding and development. His father William Herschel was its first President, though because of ill health he wasn't really active.

William's sister Caroline was awarded the society's Gold Medal for her work in astronomy, and in 1835 was made an honorary fellow. However women couldn't become full members of the society until 1915. (Shame.)

You can read more about the Herschels here.

This is the logo of the Royal Astronomical Society. Its Latin motto means: WHATEVER SHINES SHOULD BE OBSERVED. In the center is a picture of William Herschel's famous 40-foot telescope, by far the largest ever built at the time.

Here is a picture of the entrance of the Royal Astronomical Society. It's in a courtyard off Piccadilly in London. The courtyard has housed learned societies since the 19th century. The Linnean Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, Geological Society of London and the Society of Antiquaries of London are also there. The entire wing opposite the entrance to the courtyard houses the Royal Academy of Arts. It's a very interesting place.