international astronomical union for 27 November 2025

International Astronomical Union (IAU) Latest News

A 3.5-billion-year-old Martian crater has been named after pioneering Indian geologist M.S. Krishnan, following the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU’s) approval of this and several other Kerala-proposed names for Martian landforms.

About International Astronomical Union (IAU)

• It was founded in 1919 as a senior body governing international professional astronomical activities worldwide.
• Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education, and development, through international cooperation. 
• Activities:
• Definition of fundamental astronomical and dynamical constants and unambiguous astronomical nomenclature
• Rapid dissemination of new discoveries
• Organization of international observing campaigns
• Promotion of educational activities in astronomy to early informal discussions of possible future international large-scale facilities.
• It is the only organization recognized professionally for the naming of astronomical bodies, which it does solely on the basis of merit, history, or discoverer’s privilege. 
• The IAU holds a general assembly every three years in varying parts of the world. The long-term policy of the IAU is defined by the General Assembly.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• A key activity of the IAU is the organization of scientific meetings. Every year the IAU sponsors 9 international IAU Symposia. 
• Membership:
  • Its individual Members — structured into Divisions, Commissions, and Working Groups — are professional astronomers from all over the world, at the Ph.D. level and beyond, who are active in professional research, education and outreach in astronomy. 
  • The IAU also has Junior Members. 
  • The IAU has a total membership of 12742. 
  • These members are labeled as "active" in the IAU database, meaning they have a valid email (are able to vote and stay connected to the IAU activities) and are affiliated to at least one Division. 
  • IAU membership spans 92 countries. Out of those countries, 85 are National Members.

Source: TH