The Astro Society 2026: Astronomy@250 is a virtual conference celebrating 250 years of astronomy in the United States. We're bringing together researchers, educators, amateur astronomers, and curious minds from across the community to honor the full, complex, and beautiful story of astronomy in the United States. We’re not just looking to the past 250 years, but to the future as well. 

As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, the Astro Society asks how has astronomy shaped America’s scientific and cultural identity, and where will it take us next?

Astronomy@250 is a three-day virtual conference hosted by the Astro Society that explores astronomy's remarkable past while imagining the discoveries, technologies, and communities that will shape the next 250 years. More than a traditional research meeting, we come together as researchers, educators, science communicators, students, and enthusiasts in a series of conversations connecting science, history, culture, education, and exploration. Together, we’ll explore the questions that will define the next 250 years.

● Join internationally recognized astronomers, educators, historians, museum professionals, and science communicators.

● Contribute to community-led conversations and workshops that connect astronomy with history, culture, education, technology, and society.

● Build new collaborations across research, education, engagement, and informal learning.

● Be part of a commemorative ASP conference proceedings documenting Astronomy@250.

Conference Themes

Five themes tell a single story spanning humanity’s earliest relationships with the sky to the discoveries

and communities that will shape astronomy’s future.

1) Ancient Skies, New Nation

2) The People Who Changed Astronomy

3) From Data to Discovery

4) Discovery, Exploration & Humanity's Future

5) Preparing Humanity for the Next 250 Years
 

Early Bird Conference Registration rate is $149 through July 31

Regular Conference Registration is $195 through August 29

Scholarships are available! We do not want registration fees to be a barrier to participation.
 

We invite you to attend Astronomy@250 and help write the next chapter of astronomy’s story!

• https://astrosociety.org/events-home/2026-conference-astronomy-250.html