The Russell Lecturer is normally to be chosen annually on the basis of a lifetime of eminence in astronomical research.

The award includes a suitably engraved certificate, an invitation to deliver a lecture dealing with a broad astronomical field at a meeting designated by the Council, travel expenses to the meeting at which the Lecture is given, and publication of the lecture (or research related to the subject of the prize, although the publication of the lecture is strongly preferred) in a Society journal. The publication of the Lecture shall be arranged as agreeable to the Lecturer and the Council and coordinated through the Executive Office.