About the Union

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) promotes and coordinates worldwide cooperation in astronomy. The IAU, through its 12 Scientific Divisions and 40 Commissions covering the full spectrum of astronomy, plays a key role in fostering international collaborations.  The international union brings together over 8,600 astronomers from 84 countries.  U.S. astronomers are encouraged to engage in a number of IAU activities. 
Obtain additional Information on IAU scientific bodies, working groups, and program groups.

About the USNC

The U.S. National Committee for the International Astronomical Union (USNC/IAU) represents the interests of the U.S. astronomical community and safeguards the intellectual vigor of the Union. The USNC/IAU explores issues in:

Activities & Events

 IAU XXXVII General Assembly, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
August 3-14, 2009

The IAU XXVII General Assembly (GA) was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 3-14 August, 2009. More than 2,100 people from 45-plus countries, including more than 350 astronomers from the United States, attended the GA.  Nearly one hundred of the U.S. astronomers were supported by American Astronomical Society (AAS)/NSF Travel Grants.

This GA coincided with the celebration of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) and the 400th anniversary of the first astronomical observation using a telescope by Galileo Galilei. The GA also celebrated the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the IAU.

An exciting and varied scientific program was offered. Six Symposia and 26 Joint Discussions and Special Sessions covering a wide variety of topics in contemporary astrophysics were held. There were also three Invited Discourses, supplemented by a special presentation on Galileo and by lectures by recipients of the Gruber cosmology prize.

 International Travel Grants and Educational Activities
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) administers a travel grant program open to U.S.-based astronomers for attendance at international meetings. Endorsed by the USNC/IAU and funded by the National Science Foundation, the AAS grant program corresponds to IAU General Assembly years. To attend the IAU General Assemblies and other international conferences, individuals at U.S. institutions may apply to the AAS International Travel Grant Program.  Learn more about the AAS International Travel Grant program, including submission deadlines.

Valuable educational programs are also reported by IAU Commission on Astronomy Education and Development (Commission 46).  For researchers and students in countries with economic difficulties, travel grants to IAU-sponsored meetings and general assemblies are available.  Grants for Exchange Astronomers, travel awards for short term visits, are administered by the IAU Commission 46.  The IAU also conducts International Schools for Young Astronomers, a Visiting Lecturer Program, and Exchange of Astronomers Program.

 Support of The International Year of Astronomy
The year 2009 marked the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first use of a telescope to observe the universe.  At the request of the IAU and its members, UNESCO passed a resolution proclaiming 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy, which recognizes the importance of Galileo’s achievements. The International Year of Astronomy presented the opportunity to increase awareness of the field and attract young people to careers in science and technology.

In celebration of the Year, the USNC/IAU worked with the National Research Council Board on Physics and Astronomy and the Space Studies Board to host the symposium Beyond the Decade: The Future of International Astronomy on October 9, 2009.  The symposium explored various dimensions of international astronomy in celebration of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy. Three panels respectively discussed contributions of international astronomy focusing on program and activities in six countries and regions; three case studies of multi-national cooperation; and implications for the future from a perspective of four key disciplines.

Applications for IAU Membership
The USNC/IAU invites qualified scientists to apply for individual membership in the IAU. This is done in the year before the IAU General Assembly, so the next application cycle will open in late 2011. Applications are reviewed by a subcommittee of the USNC, approved by the full committee, and then forwarded to the IAU Executive Office in Paris for official action. Voting on membership recommendations takes place by the IAU General Assembly. 

When is the Next Application Cycle?
The application cycle for IAU membership opens approximately 9 months before the IAU General Assembly.  Check back on our website for additional information in late 2011.

Who is Eligible to Apply?
Membership in IAU is open to individuals as well as countries. New members are encouraged to contribute to the work of IAU Divisions and Commissions. The procedures for submission and approval of membership applications are described in Chapter II of the Working Rules. Consult general information on IAU Individual Membership on the IAU webpage.

 Supporting Young Astronomers
The USNC/IAU promotes the involvement of young astronomers in IAU activities, such as a Young Astronomers Workshop held during IAU General Assemblies.  Workshop participants are able to meet with the IAU Executive Committee and other senior astronomers to discuss research, education, and employment opportunities.

Current Membership

Edward F. Guinan, Chair Villanova University Roger Chevalier, Past Chair University of Virginia Lynne Hillenbrand, Vice Chair California Institute of Technology John A. Graham, Secretary Carnegie Institute of Washington Category I: Representing the American Astronomical Society Edward B. Churchwell, University of Wisconsin Sara Heap, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Brian Chaboyer, Dartmouth COllege Category II: Representing the American Astronomical Society Council Lee Hartmann, University of Michigan Kevin B. Marvel, American Astronomical Society Jennifer Wiseman, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Category III: Representing the NAS Astronomy Section David Arnett, University of Arizona Ken Kellermann, National Radio Astronomy Observatory David Spergel, Princeton University

Category V: Ex-Officio, Non-Voting, Representing NAS Offices Chair, NRC Board on Physics and Astronomy Marc A. Kastner, California Institute of Technology NAS Foreign Secretary Michael Clegg, University of California, Irvine Category IV: Ex-Officio, Voting, Representing Various Offices President, American Astronomical Society Debra Elmegreen, Vassar College Secretary, American Astronomical Society Fritz Benedict, University of Texas, Austin Chair, NAS Astronomy Section Marc Davis, University of California, Berkeley President, International Astronomical Union Robert E. Williams, Space Telescope Science Institute Vice President, International Astronomical Union Martha Haynes, Cornell University   NRC STAFF Kathie Bailey-Mathae Director, Board on International Scientific Organizations Pam Gamble, Administrative Assistant

    

RESOURCE LINKS

PUBLICATIONS Proceedings of the IAU General Assemblies and other IAU sponsored scientific meetings are published by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP).  Download the 2008 USNC/IAU brochure (10MB PDF).

 

 

Sponsor

The USNC/IAUis supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. MPS-0650065.

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Updated 3 February 2010.