The AAS annual winter meeting started in 1899 – this is our 125th year of hosting the world’s largest and most prestigious meeting & exhibits on astronomical science.

Only recently did the board of directors, in association with Sky & Telescope, agreed to open the meeting to amateurs…we are thrilled that the meeting is open to amateurs and that the board created a separate / discounted membership / meeting registration.

Scientists and businesses attending will pay a registration fee of $400-$900 per person depending on membership, government vs. non-government, etc.

To attend the AAS annual winter meeting, it is two-step process:

1. Join AAS as an Amateur Affiliate member
2. Register for the AAS 245 meeting as an Amateur Affiliate

Here is an overview of AAS membership:

Benefits of Membership Page

Types of Memberships – scroll down to Amateur Affiliate  

Amateur Affiliate

Amateur Affiliates are those who advance or support the astronomical sciences through research, public outreach/communication, or advocacy but who do not depend on an astronomical research and/or educational institution as their primary source of income and who do not qualify for any other class of membership. Applicants must be members of a recognized organization of astronomy enthusiasts, for example, an astronomy club, a citizen science project, an advocacy group, or an association that facilitates professional-amateur collaboration.

Amateur Affiliate Application Form
2025 dues = $56

Save

• Subscribe to Sky & Telescope at the discounted AAS affiliate rate
• Register at reduced rates for AAS and Division meetings
• Receive discounts on AAS-IOP ebooks, American Institute of Physics (AIP) publications, and special rates on Annual Review publications, such as the Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Travel with discounted car rentals through Budget and Hertz; contact the membership team for offer codes

Share

• Post news, announcements, events, and other items
• Stay current with the member-only AAS News Digest and email alerts
• Find or post the latest career opportunities using the AAS Job Register
• Access detailed search results from the online AAS Membership Directory

Participate

• Present talks or posters at AAS meetings
• Submit nominations for AAS grants, prizes, and awards

An AAS annual winter meeting will have over 100 sessions, 4 incredible key-notes, 8 press conferences where major astronomical announcement are made and full access the to exhibit hall with over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest / greatest astronomical science including equipment.