The U.S. National Science Foundation Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) supports research in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics as well as related multidisciplinary projects. AST provides access to world-class research facilities, supports the development of new instrumentation and next-generation facilities and promotes broad understanding of the value and impact of the astronomical sciences through outreach with educators, students and the general public.
AST engages in numerous interagency and international collaborations to help enable the ambitious scale of modern astronomical research. The division's areas of emphasis and priorities are guided by recommendations and input from the U.S. research community, including through the Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee and decadal surveys produced by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
On this page
What we support
The division supports research in astronomy and astrophysics, world-class research facilities, multidisciplinary centers and institutes, and education and training.
Research facilities
AST supports a system of ground-based telescopes and observatories that enable transformational capabilities in radio and optical/infrared astronomy.
Centers and institutes
AST funds the NSF Center for Advanced Radio Sciences and Engineering and two AI Institutes devoted to astronomical sciences through the NSF-led National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes program.
Workforce development and broadening participation
AST provides opportunities for workforce development and education to help more people and communities explore a rewarding career in the astronomical sciences and to support the work of early-career researchers.
Spectrum management and innovation
AST represents the interests of NSF and the scientific community in protecting access to the electromagnetic spectrum for research purposes through participation in the establishment of regulations, operating procedures and technical standards related to government, private sector and international uses of the spectrum.
Core programs
AST supports research, education and infrastructure across all areas of astronomy and astrophysics, including related multidisciplinary projects.
Through its flexible Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Grants program the Astronomical Sciences Division supports research by individuals and groups in multiple disciplines including extragalactic, galactic, planetary and stellar astronomy and astrophysics. It supports projects spanning observational, theoretical and archival data-focused methods of research.
The division also supports projects exploring the development and feasibility of new instrumentation through its Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation for the Astronomical Sciences program.
Who we are
The division's workforce is composed of both federal employees and scientists from research institutions in temporary positions with a wide range of expertise.
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