AAS Prizes and Awards
The American Astronomical Society annually honors excellence in astronomical research, instrumentation, writing, education, and service through a broad range of prizes and awards.
Funder: American Astronomical Society
Due Dates: June 30, 2026: Nomination submission deadline | July 15, 2026: Nominee package submission deadline | July 15, 2026: Letters of Support deadline
Funding Amounts: Varies by prize; may include medals, certificates, and/or monetary awards (e.g., $1,000 for Chambliss Writing Award); most are single-year, recognition-based.
Summary: Annual program of prizes, awards, and fellowships honoring excellence in astronomical research, instrumentation, writing, education, and service.
Key Information: Self-nominations are allowed; most prizes require AAS membership, but some (e.g., Chambliss Amateur) allow nonmembers.
Description
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) annually recognizes outstanding achievements in astronomy and related fields through a broad suite of honors, prizes, and awards. These distinctions celebrate excellence in research, instrumentation, academic writing, education, public outreach, and service to the astronomical community. The program also includes the selection of new AAS Fellows each year, recognizing sustained contributions to the field.
Each prize or award has its own focus, eligibility requirements, and recognition details. Awards may take the form of medals, certificates, monetary prizes, or public acknowledgment at the AAS annual meeting. The nomination and selection process is designed to be fair, transparent, and inclusive, with clear deadlines and structured requirements for submissions.
