Solar Physics Division
Encyclopedia
The Solar Physics Division of the American Astronomical Society
(AAS/SPD), often referred to as simply the "Solar Physics Division" (SPD), is the primary trade organization of solar physicists in the U.S. It exists for the advancement of the study of the Sun and to coordinate of such research with other branches of science. SPD organizes meetings and certain solar physics specific prizes, occasionally advocates for solar physics in the political arena, and promotes outreach via formal and informal educational projects.
Meetings are annual, typically held in the late spring, and for the past several years have rotated triennially between joint meetings with the AAS, joint meetings with the AGU
, and standalone meetings hosted by members' home institutes. SPD meetings are noted for remaining "single-threaded" with a single plenary session of scientific talks (rather than multiple parallel sessions), to encourage cross-fertilization through the exceptionally broad range of subdisciplines needed for solar physics.
Founded in 1969, the SPD held its first standalone meeting in 1970. Over the past decade it has maintained a membership of 500-600 members in good standing.
American Astronomical Society
The American Astronomical Society is an American society of professional astronomers and other interested individuals, headquartered in Washington, DC...
(AAS/SPD), often referred to as simply the "Solar Physics Division" (SPD), is the primary trade organization of solar physicists in the U.S. It exists for the advancement of the study of the Sun and to coordinate of such research with other branches of science. SPD organizes meetings and certain solar physics specific prizes, occasionally advocates for solar physics in the political arena, and promotes outreach via formal and informal educational projects.
Meetings are annual, typically held in the late spring, and for the past several years have rotated triennially between joint meetings with the AAS, joint meetings with the AGU
American Geophysical Union
The American Geophysical Union is a nonprofit organization of geophysicists, consisting of over 50,000 members from over 135 countries. AGU's activities are focused on the organization and dissemination of scientific information in the interdisciplinary and international field of geophysics...
, and standalone meetings hosted by members' home institutes. SPD meetings are noted for remaining "single-threaded" with a single plenary session of scientific talks (rather than multiple parallel sessions), to encourage cross-fertilization through the exceptionally broad range of subdisciplines needed for solar physics.
Founded in 1969, the SPD held its first standalone meeting in 1970. Over the past decade it has maintained a membership of 500-600 members in good standing.