Royal Astronomical Society

1820 - Sir William Herschel agreed to be the titular first President, though he never actually took the Chair at a meeting. 1829 - the Monthly Notices (astronomical journal) started. 1831 - Royal Charter signed by William IV. 1846 - absorbed the Spitalfields Mathematical Society. 1874 - moved to specially built premises in part of Burlington House, Piccadilly. 1960 - the Quarterly Journal started. 1970 - to commemorate the society's 150th anniversary, Royal Mail issued a postage stamp.