International Astronomical Union

The International Astronomical Union or IAU (in French, Union astronomique internationale or UAI, ) is a set of professional astronomers, holding at minimum Ph.D. level, active in professional research and education in astronomy. The main objective of the IAU is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. It serves as the internationally recognized authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies (stars, planets, asteroids, dwarf planets etc.) and any surface features on them, and is a member of the International Council for Science (ICSU).