Draft:Rittenhouse Astronomical Society

The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society (RAS) is one of the oldest astronomical groups in the United States. Founded in 1888 and named for famed astronomer David Rittenhouse, the society offers the public an opportunity to celebrate and learn about science, astronomy, and telescopes. RAS is headquartered in Media, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, and they meet monthly to bring cosmos to the public through a variety of presentations and guest speakers.

History
Rittenhouse Astronomical Society began as the Camden Astronomical Society in Camden, New Jersey on April 3, 1888. Its founder and first president was Edmund E. Read, Jr., who hosted meetings in his home for 35 years until his death in 1923. The society continued to meet regularly in Camden until 1931 when it began having meetings at the Franklin Institute on Seventh Street in Philadelphia. When the Institute moved to its present location at 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in 1934, RAS did as well.

On November 16, 1988, RAS celebrated its 100th anniversary and was honored by the City of Philadelphia with a proclamation declaring the date “Rittenhouse Astronomical Society Day.”

The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society met regularly at the Franklin Institute until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic dissolved in-person meetings. Although they still meet virtually and occasionally hold public telescope events, RAS has not returned to the Franklin Institute.

The society is supported by volunteering members that perform all functions including those elected to serve as officers on the executive board and those appointed to its committees. It includes a concentration of members across Philadelphia and the surrounding Delaware Valley area. Its membership spans the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Awards
The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society has awarded their Rittenhouse Medal periodically to recognize incredible achievements in astronomy. Past recipients include Carl Sagan, Lyman Spitzer, Jr., and Freemam Dyson.

Category:Astronomy societies