The Slovak Astronomical Society (SAS) at the Slovak Academy of Sciences is a voluntary association of scientists, professionals, educators, institutions and associations active in the field of astronomy and related scientific disciplines, as well as friends of astronomy.
The Society was established at the founding congress on December 16, 1959, as the Czechoslovak Astronomical Society at the Slovak Academy of Sciences based in Tatranská Lomnica. It bears its current name, SAS, since April 1, 1966. It survived most of its existence until November 1989 under the pressure of ideological currents, which considered astronomy to be the main bearer of the scientific worldview. After 1989, the Society was able to fully and freely devote itself to its main mission, the dissemination of scientific knowledge in the field of astronomy and related natural sciences.
Other objectives of SAS include contributing to the development of astronomy in Slovakia, providing assistance to its members in raising their professional level, as well as in their scientific and professional work, organizing national and international scientific events, developing editorial and publishing activities. The principal activity of the SAS is also the education and popularisation of astronomy among the general public, especially among young people. During the year we organise scientific conferences and workshops, lectures and events focusing on important astronomical phenomena or anniversaries, seminars, practices, expeditions and knowledge competitions for young people, as well as activities related to protection from light pollution.
At present, the activities of the Society are carried out in seven branches and nine specialized sections. Its scientific and professional activities are concentrated mainly at the Astronomical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Tatranská Lomnica, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Comenius University in Bratislava, technical universities in Trnava and Zvolen, the Slovak Central Observatory in Hurbanovo, observatories and planetariums and astronomical clubs throughout Slovakia.
In pursuit of its goals, SAS cooperates with similar organizations in the Slovak Republic (Slovak Astronomical Union) and abroad (Czech Astronomical Society, European Astronomical Society).