International Astronomical Union:
A 3.5-billion-year-old Martian crater has been named after pioneering Indian geologist M.S. Krishnan, following the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU’s) approval of this and several other Kerala-proposed names for Martian landforms.
- International Astronomical Union (IAU) was founded in 1919 as a senior body governing international professional astronomical activities worldwide.
- Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education, and development, through international cooperation.
- Activities:
- Definition of fundamental astronomical and dynamical constants and unambiguous astronomical nomenclature
- Rapid dissemination of new discoveries
- Organization of international observing campaigns
- Promotion of educational activities in astronomy to early informal discussions of possible future international large-scale facilities.
- It is the only organization recognized professionally for the naming of astronomical bodies, which it does solely on the basis of merit, history, or discoverer’s privilege.
- The IAU holds a General Assembly every three years in varying parts of the world. The long-term policy of the IAU is defined by the General Assembly.
- Headquarters: Paris, France.
- Its individual Members — structured into Divisions, Commissions, and Working Groups — are professional astronomers from all over the world, at the Ph.D. level and beyond, who are active in professional research, education and outreach in astronomy.
