The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is a nongovernmental organization that established the official number of constellations at 88 in 1922. Among its activities, it acts as the recognized authority for assigning designations and names to celestial bodies (stars, planets, asteroid and constellations) and any surface features on them.

The mission of IAU is to advance astronomy in all its aspects, including promoting research, outreach, education and development through global cooperation. Founded in 1919, the headquarters are located in Paris, France, known as ‘Union astronomique internationale’.

As of December 2021, there are 85 national members that include professional associations, national societies and academic institutions. There are 12,131 individual members including professional astronomers and junior scientists.

One of the key activities of IAU is to serve as a forum for scientific conferences sponsoring 9 annual symposia and then holding a triennial General Assembly to set policy.

The IAU is a member of the International Science Council (ISC), which is composed of international scientific institutions and national Academies of Sciences. Its mission is to act as the global voice of science.

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