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International Astronomical Union
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International Astronomical Union

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External Websites
Also known as: IAU
Written by
John Donald Fernie
Professor Emeritus, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Ontario. Author of Setting Sail for the Universe: Astronomers and their Discoveries.
John Donald Fernie
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Article History
Quick Facts
Date:
1919 - present
Headquarters:
Paris
Areas Of Involvement:
astronomy
Related People:
Arthur Eddington
See all related content

International Astronomical Union (IAU), senior body governing international professional astronomical activities worldwide, with headquarters in Paris. It was established in 1919 as the first of a series of international unions for the advancement of specific branches of science. Its professed mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU is made up of various divisions, commissions, and working groups representing the various areas of astronomical research, teaching, and other endeavours. In the early 21st century it had a membership of some 8,000 professional astronomers from about 60 adhering countries. It ...(100 of 157 words)

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