Looking up at the night sky with a large radio telescope dish in the corner and the milky way glowing pink in a blue-black sky.

Division of Astronomical Sciences (MPS/AST)

NSF reorganization

Updates to reflect the new organizational structure of MPS are in progress. Some information on this page may no longer be current.

The U.S. National Science Foundation Division of Astronomical Sciences supports leading-edge research in ground-based astronomy and works to ensure the continued scientific excellence of the U.S. astronomical community. The division 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.

Upcoming events

Advisory group meetings

Featured funding

Program
Next Required Due Date: November 16, 2026
Supports translational research and workforce development at the interface of fundamental plasma science and technological innovation with applications such as CubeSat-based geospace measurements and space weather predictive modeling.
Posted August 3, 2022
Program
Next Required Due Date: November 16, 2026
Supports advanced technology development, concept feasibility studies, and specialized instrumentation to enable observations for ground-based astronomy that are difficult or impossible to obtain with existing means.
Posted August 17, 2022