American Bootes Astronomical Society Incorporated (ABAS)

The American Bootes Astronomical Society, Incorporated (ABAS), was founded on June 14, 2023, in Rockville, Maryland, by Renjiang Xie and Ruofan Wang.

As a nonprofit organization, ABAS is dedicated to promoting astronomy education, scientific outreach, and public engagement among both professional and amateur astronomers.

Since May 2023, ABAS has organized numerous sidewalk astronomy events, public lectures, workshops, star parties, and youth summer camps throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Our mission is to bring the wonders of the universe directly to local communities, inspiring curiosity, scientific thinking, and a lifelong passion for learning.

We believe astronomy is a universal language that connects people across cultures, generations, and disciplines. ABAS welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, nationalities, and experience levels—from professional researchers and educators to students, families, and anyone fascinated by the night sky.

ABAS provides a unique platform for students and young volunteers who are interested in astronomy, space exploration, STEM education, engineering, photography, journalism, video production, graphic design, website development, and nonprofit leadership. Through hands-on participation in our programs, volunteers can gain valuable experience in science communication, public speaking, event organization, leadership, social media management, website design, photography, videography, and educational outreach. Volunteers may assist with public telescope observing events, astronomy lectures, community science programs, educational workshops, website maintenance, newsletter production, social media content creation, graphic design, photography, video editing, and youth camp activities. No prior astronomy experience is required—training and mentorship will be provided by experienced astronomers and educators.

For middle school, high school, and college students, volunteering with ABAS offers an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills, fulfill community service requirements, build a strong résumé, and gain meaningful experience for future college and scholarship applications. Students will also have opportunities to interact with scientists, educators, and astronomy enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds while contributing to public science education.

Current volunteer opportunities include:

• Sidewalk Astronomy Activities Assistants

• Astronomy Outreach Assistants

• Website Designers and Developers

• Graphic Designers and Publication Editors

• Social Media Coordinators

• Photographers and Videographers

• Science Writers and Translators

• Event Assistants and Program Coordinators

• Youth Camp Volunteers

Sidewalk Astronomy Activities Assistants play a particularly important role in our organization. Volunteers help set up telescopes, welcome visitors, guide the public in observing the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects, answer basic astronomy questions, distribute educational materials, and assist with community outreach events. This position is ideal for students interested in astronomy, science communication, education, and public engagement. No prior astronomy experience is required—training will be provided.

Whether you are an experienced astronomer, an aspiring scientist, a passionate photographer, a future engineer, or simply someone curious about the universe, we warmly invite you to join ABAS. Together, we can inspire the next generation of explorers and share the beauty and excitement of astronomy with our communities.

We aim to unite astronomers from all backgrounds and nationalities. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or a curious beginner, we invite you to join our journey.

Volunteers will help educate young child astronomical knowledge. In the event like meteor shower night, volunteers will help to setup equipment, maintain order and clean up the site etc.