Division of Astronomical Sciences

The Astronomical Sciences Division supports: - [Forefront research](https://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/about.jsp#research) in ground-based astronomy; to help ensure the scientific excellence of the U.S. astronomical community; - Provides access to world-class [Research Facilities](https://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/about.jsp#facilities) through merit review; - Supports development of [New Instrumentation](https://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/about.jsp#instrumentation) and next-generation facilities; and - Encourages broad understanding of the astronomical sciences by a [Diverse Population](https://www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/about.jsp#diverse) of scientists, policy makers, educators, and the public at large. The Division supports research in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics as well as related multidisciplinary studies. Because of the scale of modern astronomical research, the Division engages in numerous interagency and international collaborations. Areas of emphasis and the priorities of specific programs are guided by community recommendations, which have been developed and transmitted by National Research Council decadal surveys and by federal advisory committees.