International Astronomical Union (IAU)

An organization formed in 1919 for fostering international cooperation in astronomy. It is composed of member countries (represented by national academies or similar institutions, not governments) and around 8,000 individual members. Along with similar organizations for other branches of science, it belongs to the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), which has its headquarters in Paris. The history of the IAU may be traced back to the international cooperation established for the Carte du Ciel project. From 1887 the Permanent Commission on the Photographic Carte du Ciel extended its interest into other areas of astronomy and may be regarded as the parent organization of the IAU. The IAU is recognized as the international authority on astronomical matters requiring cooperation and standardization, such as the official naming of astronomical bodies and features on them. The Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams and the Minor Planets Center located at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory operate under its auspices. The IAU is also concerned with the promotion of astronomy in developing countries. Its General Assembly meets every three years, and specialist symposia and colloquia are sponsored regularly. Work is organized through Commissions and Working Groups.