Burns elected VP of American Astronomical Society

Jack O. Burns, a CU-Boulder professor of astrophysical and planetary sciences, has been elected vice president of the American Astronomical Society.

Burns, who aims to probe the origins of the universe from the far side of the moon, is one of three vice presidents of the AAS. The AAS is described as the premiere organization of professional astronomers in North America and perhaps the world. The organization’s scientific and educational programs are among the “most important presented anywhere,” Burns said.

As vice president, Burns will be responsible for assembling scientific programs that are broad, diverse, touch on the forefront of science and include educational innovations, he said. Burns is an expert in public policy and science policy as they relate to space.

At CU-Boulder, he teaches classes on space policy, an area he has a particular passion for. “We live and die by the funding available,” he said.