The International Astronomical Union

The IAU is the international astronomical organization that brings together more than 12,000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Our mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and their surface features. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.