Astronomy is a truly international science, as evidenced by the number of organisations worldwide devoted to its pursuit. Explore these websites to learn more.

Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma, the Canary Islands. Image Credit: Nik Szymanek (ING), IAC, ENO

Organisations & Associations

• International Astronomical Union (IAU) - promotes and safeguards the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.
• American Astronomical Society (AAS) - umbrella organisation of professional astronomers in the United States.
• Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) - an international nonprofit organisation of professional & amateur astronomers working towards an increased understanding and appreciation of astronomy.
• Astronomical League - the worlds largest federation of amateur astronomers.
• British Astronomical Association (BAA) - the voice of amateur astronomy in the UK. Membership is open to all persons interested in astronomy.
• International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) - dedicated to preserving our heritage of dark skies through quality outdoor lighting.
• American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) - international organisation of amateur and professional astronomers interested in variable stars.
• International Meteor Organisation (IMO) - fosters cooperation between amateur observers ensuring the comprehensive study of meteor showers and their relation to comets and interplanetary dust.
• The Planetary Society - nonprofit organsation to encourage the exploration of our solar system and the search for extraterrestrial life.
• International Planetarium Society (IPS) - is the international organisation of planetarians.
• The SETI Institute - conducts scientific research and educational projects relevant to the origin, nature, prevalence, and distribution of life in the universe.

Observatories

• European Southern Observatory (ESO) - is an intergovernmental, European organisation for astronomical research which operates obseratories in Chile, including the VLT.
• National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) - is a radio astronomy research facility, operating four radio telescopes: the VLA, the VLBI, the GBT and ALMA.
• National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) - represents the US optical astronomical community and operates various observatories, including Kitt Peak, Cerro Tololo, National Solar Observatory.
• Gemini Observatory - the International Gemini Project homepage.
• Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) - a new multi-element, interferometric, imaging telescope designed for low frequencies (10-240 MHz)
• Square Kilometre Array (SKA) - the international SKA website, providing the next generation of facilities in radio astronomy.
• Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) - the new millimetre array being built in Chile by a variety of international partners.
• Netherlands Foundation for Research in Astronomy (ASTRON) - a radio astronomy research facility, operating the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) and the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR).
• National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) - ia radio astronomy research facility, operating the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) and the Ooty Radio Telescope.

Space Associations

• Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) - dedicated to the exploration of the universe using the Hubble Space Telescope and successors.
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - US administration whose mission is to understand and protect the Earth, to explore the Universe and search for life.
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) - NASA's lead center for robotic exploration of the solar system.

Physics Organisations

• European Physical Society - organisation of more than 70 000 European Physicists.
• American Institute of Physics (AIP) - a nonprofit organisation with the purpose of promoting the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of physics and its application to human welfare.
• American Physical Society (APS) - American organisation with the objective of the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of physics.