Its current mission is to enhance and share humanity's scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community.

The membership includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers and others whose research interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising contemporary astronomy.

The annual meeting of the AAS is held in the spring and constitutes the largest gathering of astronomers, numbering over 3,000 in 2023.

"[4] The inaugural class was designated by the AAS Board of Trustees and includes an initial group of 232 Legacy Fellows.

American Astronomical Society won the 2020 Webby People's Voice Award for Association in the category Web.