The International Astronomical Union (IAU) unites national astronomical societies from around the world. It is a member of the International Council of Science (ICSU). It is the most popularly recognised authority for the naming of stars, planets, asteroids and other celestial bodies and phenomena in the scientific community.
Working groups include the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN), which maintains the astronomical naming conventions and planetary nomenclature for planetary bodies. The IAU is also responsible for the system of Astronomical Telegrams, although it does not run it. The Minor Planet Center (MPC), a clearinghouse for all non-planetary or non-moon bodies in the solar system, also operates under the IAU.
The IAU was founded in 1919, as a merger of various international projects including the Carte du Ciel, the Solar Union and the International Time Bureau (Bureau International de l'Heure). The first president was Benjamin Baillaud.
The IAU currently has 9040 individual members, i.e., professional astronomers (mainly) at the PhD level; and 63 national members, i.e., countries that are affiliated with the IAU. 87 percent of all members are male; 13 percent are female. The current president is Ronald D. Ekers.
The XXVIth General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (August 2006) will be held in Prague, Czech Republic.
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