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mbership in the African Astronomical Society is open to professional astronomers worldwide. Professional astronomers are scientists engaged in research, teaching, or leadership in astronomy and related fields, including the study of celestial objects and the universe as a whole.

 
NB: Astronomy-related fields encompass all areas of study connected to astronomy, including core disciplines such as astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, astrobiology, space physics, as well as supporting, applied, and interdisciplinary fields. These include space science, astrochemistry, astroparticle physics, astrobiology,  astrostatistics, and astroinformatics (data science in astronomy), all of which enable or enhance the observation, analysis, and understanding of celestial objects, space environments, and the universe as a whole.

1. Full Membership

Candidates for full membership shall be persons who satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

(i) successfully completed a Doctoral Degree in astronomy or a related field; or

(ii) successfully completed a Master’s Degree in astronomy or a related field and has thereafter for at least two years been engaged in activities related to astronomy; or

(iii) successfully completed a Bachelors and/or Honours degree in astronomy or related field and has thereafter for at least five years been engaged in activities related to astronomy; or

(iv) have successfully presented proof of independent research or co-authorship of accepted, refereed or published astronomy paper(s) to the membership committee of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS).

2. Associate Membership
Associate Membership is open to any professional who is actively involved in the advancement of astronomy and/or related activities. This category is open to amateur astronomers, knowledgeable individuals in activities of astronomical relevance, and other astronomy enthusiasts who do not fall under the “Full Membership” category above.

3. Student Membership

This category is open to Undergraduate university students of astronomy and related fields, or undergraduate and honours university students of astronomy and related fields (including Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Sciences)

4. Honorary Membership

This category of membership may be bestowed upon individuals who have shown exemplary contribution to the field and/or The Society as judged by the Nominating Committee of The Society. Honorary membership may be bestowed upon an individual only upon two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee and a majority vote of the General Assembly.

5. Institutional Membership

This category is open to astronomical research institutes, such as observatories, and organisations which conduct astronomical activities as part of their primary goal, such as planetaria. It is also open to universities which teach astronomy or are significantly involved in astronomy in some way. Institutional Membership may be bestowed upon an institution only upon two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee and a majority vote of the General Assembly.

6. National Membership

This category is open for African countries to be members through a national committee as supported by the government of that country. National Membership may be bestowed by the Society upon the establishment of that country’s national committee, and upon two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee and a majority vote of the General Assembly.

This category is open for African countries to be members through a national committee as supported by the government of that country. National Membership may be bestowed by the Society upon the establishment of that country’s national committee, and upon two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee and a majority vote of the General Assembly.

Membership fees and fee categories (e.g. individual or national membership) shall be determined by the General Assembly.

Since the establishment of AfAS, membership has been free of charge. The introduction of membership fees will take effect from 1 April 2026 and will initially apply to Full Members only. Other membership categories will remain free of charge until further notice, and any future introduction of fees for those categories will be formally announced at the appropriate time following approval by the General Assembly.

Details regarding the applicable fee structure and associated benefits will be communicated in due course.

Privileges and Obligations of Membership

The Privileges and Obligations of Membership, such as voting rights, code of conduct, right of voting members to call for a referendum, etc. shall be incorporated into the constitution and bye-laws of the Society.