The Society for Astronomical Sciences traces its roots to the International Amateur-Professional Photoelectric Photometry (IAPPP), which was formed in June, 1980. The Western Wing of the IAPPP was formed in 1998, to better support the local interest in small-telescope science. In 2002, the Western Wing was incorporated, in California, and in 2003 renamed itself the Society for Astronomical Sciences (SAS).

 

Members include both amateur and professional astronomers.

 

Members gather data that are used by professional researchers, perform original research on a wide variety of topics, develop specialized equipment and software to support our independent research.

Professional members provide guidance and encouragement and use small-telescope photometry, spectroscopy, and astrometry data in their research.

 

Observers are skilled in photometry (e.g. asteroids and variable stars), astrometry (e.g. asteroids and visual double stars), spectroscopy (e.g. variable stars and transient sources) and even investigating polarimetry and speckle interferometry.

 

Annual SAS Symposium on Telescope Science sees about a hundred participants from North and South America, Europe, Africa and the Far East gathering to share their interest in astronomical research.

Educational and practical workshops during the Symposium provide a forum for learning, teaching, and building the skills of the community of practice in small-telescope research.