From distant exoplanets and the universe’s first galaxies to the next generation of space telescopes, astronomy’s largest annual meeting will offer a week of discoveries, debates and conversations that will shape the future of astronomy.
Thousands of astronomers, students, educators and space Scientists are gathering in Phoenix, Arizona, this week as the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AS 247) begins Monday, launching what many in the field consider the Super Bowl of astronomy. The conference, which will take place January 4-8 at the Phoenix Convention Center, will feature panels, presentations and workshops covering everything from exoplanets and galaxy evolution towards the future of emblematic space telescopes.
Cosmic origins and the evolution of galaxies will also be highlighted throughout the week. Several sessions will show new results from studies that combine data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Hubble space telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (SOUL) in Chile, offering new insights into how galaxies formed and evolved in the early universe. Other talks will delve into the nature of brown dwarfs, faint dwarf galaxies, and the structure of the Milky Way’s outskirts, highlighting how recent findings are reshaping long-standing theories.
Meanwhile, NASA Program Analysis Groups (PAG), including those focused on cosmic origins, the physics of the cosmos, and exoplanet exploration, meet to brainstorm scientific goals, mission concepts, and future priorities.
Looking to the future, the next great astronomical observatory, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescopewill be the topic of a public meeting dedicated to the status of the mission and next steps, as well as several other work sessions. Like Roman borders closer to launch (currently planned for no earlier than September 2026) scientists are refining how the mission’s wide-field capabilities can complement JWST and ground-based observatories, particularly in studies of dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics.
Beyond the science itself, AAS 247 underscores the increasingly collaborative nature of modern astronomy. The sessions will highlight how skillful amateur astronomers are contributing to frontline research, while workshops and networking events aim to support early-career scientists navigating an evolving research landscape.
A complete list of scheduled events and discussion topics can be found at the program available online. Daily press conferences will also be held on-site and streamed live on Zoom, where virtual attendees can ask questions, and in the AAS Press Office YouTube Channel.
