The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was founded in 1919.  Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.  Its individual members are professional astronomers all over the World, at the Ph.D. level or beyond and active in professional research and education in astronomy. However, the IAU maintains friendly relations also with organizations that include amateur astronomers in their membership. National Members are generally those with a significant level of professional astronomy. The IAU is composed of 8,858 Individual Members in 85 different countries worldwide out of which 62 are National Members (according to statistics of August 2006).

The IAU also serves as the internationally recognized authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and any surface features on them.

The scientific and educational activities of the IAU are organized by its 12 Scientific Divisions and, through them, its 37 more specialized Commissions covering the full spectrum of astronomy, along with its 86 Working and Program Groups (or equivalent). The long-term policy of the IAU is defined by the General Assembly and implemented by the Executive Committee, while day-to-day operations are directed by the IAU Officers. The focal point of its activities is the permanent IAU Secretariat, located at the Institut d'Astrophysique of Paris, France.

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