Division of Astronomical Sciences

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](https://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/astronomy-astrophysics-advisory-committee "Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee") and decadal surveys produced by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.