Royal Astronomical Society
Virtual Work Inspiration Trip
Who are we?
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) was founded in 1820. We encourage the study of astronomy, geophysics and other areas of science. We are based in London.
Enjoy a wander through our lecture rooms, halls and libraries…
Hear what our staff have to say
Lucy works for the Royal Astronomical Society as an Assistant Editor and is a Lightyear Foundation Role Model. Watch her story of the job she loves and how she copes with visual impairment…
… and Robert can tell you a lot about his job as Deputy Executive Director.
Read his interview below.
What does the RAS do?
“The Royal Astronomical Society is an organisation that people join if they work in astronomy (planets, stars and galaxies) or geophysics (studying the Earth beneath our feet and the atmosphere above our head).
We're the staff supporting them, and we help them do their jobs. We run conferences for the scientists, help them share their ideas, and give them access to a building where they can meet and use our library. We also do things like help students”
What kind of jobs are there at the RAS?
“People here run our building,
make sure the scientists can meet and talk about their ideas,
look after our library,
teach children and adults,
talk to the government about why our science matters,
talk to TV, radio and newspaper journalists,
and help scientists publish their work in printed journals so other people can read about them.”
What is your job at the RAS?
“My job is deputy executive director. I look after a team who work with journalists and broadcasters.
My team write news stories, and create TV and radio reports. They also teach people in our building and around the UK, share what we do on the internet, talk to politicians, and make sure our computers work properly.”
What is the best thing about working in STEMM
*
and at the RAS?
“The best things about working in STEMM* and at the RAS are getting to hear about exciting scientific discoveries.
Sometimes we hear about really big things long before anyone else – but then we have to keep quiet about them for quite a while!”
*Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine
Thank you to the staff at the Royal Astronomical Society for helping us make this virtual tour!
Image credits:
An artist's impression of a supernova
Credit: Aaron Geller / Northwestern University
Licence type: Attribution (CC BY 4.0)
A stellar nursery in the Lobster Nebula (NGC6357)
Credit: ESO / VVV Survey / D. Minniti
Acknowledgement: Ignacio Toledo
Licence type: Attribution (CC BY 4.0)
Spiral structure in the Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101), as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope
Credit: NASA, ESA, CXC, SSC, and STScI
Licence type: Attribution (CC BY 4.0)
Spiral structure in the Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101), as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope
Credit: NASA, ESA, CXC, SSC, and STScI
Licence type: Attribution (CC BY 4.0)