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International Astronomical Union
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International Astronomical Union

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
Fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
History

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...

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