International Astronomical Union is the union of scientist which deals with the study of space from all the countries of the world.  It is an internationally recognized authority for assigning designations to outer space bodies which includes stars, planets, asteroids, etc. it is a member of the International Council for Science (ICSU).

History of International Astronomical Union (IAU)
IAU was established in 1919. It was union of several international projects like Carte du Ciel, the Solar Union and the International Time Bureau. Benjamin Baillaud was first president of IAU. From 1932 to 1958, Pieter Johannes van Rhijn was the president of IAU.

Aim of International Astronomical Union

• International Astronomical Union’s aim is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. It has headquartered in Paris, France consists of scientists which are professional in space research study and education and compose of astronomers from all over the world.
• IAU also maintains relations with organization that possess amateur astronomers in their membership. National Members are inherent with significant level of professional astronomy.
• It consists of 9664 members all of them professional astronomers and most of them hold PhD degree. The percentage male members are more than female members. In 2006, Catherine J. Cesarsky was appointed president of IAU.

Composition of IAU

NATIONAL MEMBERS
IAU consists of national professional astronomical communities. They desire to promote their participation in international astronomy. They also support the objective of the Union such members are termed as national members.   Organizations, who desire to join the Union as National Members, develop professional astronomy in the community and may represent on temporary basis.  With the time and their performance they could become permanent National Member.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
Professional scientists whose research is directly relevant to some branch of astronomy are eligible for election as Individual Members. Executive Committee on the proposal of a National Member admits any Individual Members. Information about qualification for membership and application procedure is mention of the website of IAU.

Resolution of IAU
IAU expresses its decisions and recommendations. These decisions and recommendations are voted and adopted by the General Assembly. These decisions are regarded as resolutions.

Thus for any latest knowledge about the any planet, dwarf planet, star you can log on the website of IAU. It provides adequate knowledge of the elements of universe and their relation with earth.

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