International Astronomical Union

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was founded in 1919 to coordinate the work of astronomers. Among the members of this international non-governmental association are scientific organisations from 60 countries as well as several thousand individual members.

The International Astronomical Union, of which the headquarters are based at the Astrophysics Institute in Paris, is the only body authorised to give names to celestial bodies. It organises frequent scientific meetings and holds a plenary assembly every three years.