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Amount of stars (white) produced in universes with different dark energy densities. Clockwise, from top left, no dark energy, same dark energy density as in our Universe, 10 and 30 times the dark energy density in our Universe.
A formula for life? New model calculates chances of intelligent beings in our Universe and beyond
The chances of intelligent life emerging in our Universe – and in any hypothetical ones beyond it – can be estimated by a new theoretical model which has echoes of the famous Drake Equation. This was the formula that American astronomer Dr Frank...
RAS welcomes support for science in Budget
The first Budget of the new government has been welcomed as a "positive step" for science by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS). The Society, along with much of the science sector, had been concerned about rumoured real-term cuts to the science...
Pictured left, RAS President Mike Lockwood (right) and Geophysics Secretary James Hammond (left) put their signatures to a series of legal documents to complete the handover of Burlington House (pictured bottom right) from the Government to the RAS and its fellow Learned Societies following the agreement of a 999-year lease. RAS Executive Director Philip Diamond is pictured inset with the 19th Century seal press used to stamp the documents (also top right).
Signed, sealed, delivered: RAS inks London HQ lease
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has officially signed a 999-year lease on its London headquarters, having agreed a deal with the Government earlier this year to transfer the building’s ownership. RAS President Mike Lockwood and Geophysics...
Deadline for RAS Fellowships approaching
Are you an early career researcher looking to pursue a career in research? We're currently accepting applications for a Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) Research Fellowship. They are offered to outstanding candidates to enable them to pursue research...
Radio image of Sagittarius A* in the centre of the Milky Way galaxy.
First picture of Milky Way black hole ‘may not be accurate’
The first picture of the supermassive black hole at the heart of our Milky Way galaxy may not be a true reflection of its appearance, new research suggests. Astronomers led by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) say their analysis...
Job vacancy: Public Engagement Officer
Job title Public Engagement Officer Salary £40,000 per annum Job summary The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) is seeking a full-time Public Engagement Officer, based at our offices in Burlington House, London, to help deliver our new strategy. The...
Job vacancy: Finance Manager
Job title Finance Manager Salary £60,000 per annum Reporting to Executive Director Management Responsibility Future responsibility for a Finance Administrator and functionally supporting all staff. Job summary We are looking for a qualified...
RAS warns against 'haemorrhaging of young R&D talent'
The Royal Astronomical Society is calling on the Government to back research and development to avoid the "haemorrhaging of young talent" overseas that "underpins economic growth in the modern world". As the Budget approaches, the Society joined...
Guy Wells, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, took this image of Comet A3 above London on 12 October 2024.
Stunning pictures of Comet A3 from around the UK
Stargazers across the country have been snapping spectacular pictures of Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), as they race to catch a glimpse of the once-in-a-lifetime object before it disappears for another 80,000 years. The comet has been visible to the...
Screenshot of the National Astronomy Meeting 2025 website.
Durham to host 2025 National Astronomy Meeting
The Royal Astronomical Society is delighted to announce that the 2025 National Astronomy Meeting will be held at Durham University from 7-11 July. It will see leading scientists from the UK and around the world present the newest cutting-edge...
The Northern Lights as seen above Lewes in East Sussex last night (Thursday 10 October 2024).
Northern Lights once again put on a show across the UK
The Northern Lights have again lit up parts of the UK in the most stunning fashion, five months after doing the same following the most extreme geomagnetic storm in two decades. Such a show is rare, but not entirely unexpected given that the Sun is...
Artwork for the play The Lightest Element, about astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin.
The Lightest Element: Unheralded astronomer the focus of new play
She changed how we see the Universe and the stars within it. But despite being one of the most eminent astronomers of the 20th Century, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin is not as widely known to the public as some of her peers. The reasons why are explored...