The Armenian Astronomical Society (ArAS) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that works on the development of astronomy in Armenia, promotion of collaboration between the Armenian and foreign astronomical institutions, strengthening contacts and collaboration between the Armenian and other astronomers, support of astronomical education and popularization of science in Armenia. ArAS was created in 1999 and officially registered in 2001. It is one of the Affiliated Societies of EAS. ArAS has some 80 members both from Armenia and a number of other countries and may in fact be considered as an international organization. The main activities of ArAS are: providing detailed information on Byurakan Observatory, Armenian and world astronomy through its webpage, Electronic Newsletters, Annual Meetings, Byurakan International Summer Schools for Young Astronomers, ArAS Annual Prize for Young Astronomers, maintenance of a Database of Armenian Astronomers, educational activities, and current work of ArAS Administration. One of the largest ArAS initiatives was the organization of the European Annual Astronomical Meeting (JENAM-2007), the largest astronomical event ever held in Armenia.

   

UNESCO announced 2009 as International Year of Astronomy (IYA). Most of IYA activities continue in 2010 under the project Beyond-IYA.

IYA-2009 Armenian website
Beyond-IYA Armenian website