Frequently Asked Questions
Questions on various astronomical issues of an international
character are frequently addressed to the IAU Secretariat and/or the
General Secretary. When particular questions are asked several times,
we will attempt to make brief explanations directly available from
this page. At the moment, information on the following issues is
available.
- The IAU
Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams disseminates urgent
news on astronomical discoveries.
NB: Any reports on presumed astronomical discoveries
(supernovae etc.) should be directed to the Telegram Bureau,
NOT to the IAU itself or the Webmaster of this
site!
- Buying Star Names or Naming Stars after
People, or 'Selling' Property on Other Planets
- The Status of Pluto: See the IAU
Press Release of Feb 03 1999 and the Informational
Page by Division III
NOTE: The Press Release expresses the position
of the IAU regarding the status of Pluto. The IAU considers the
discussion closed with this statement and does not intend to reopen
it in the foreseeable future.
- Research on Near Earth Objects (Asteroids and Comets)
- Planets Around Other Stars
- IAU Policy on Environmental
Challenges to Astronomy; also Press
Release 02/99 from IAU Symposium 196: Preservation of the
Astronomical Sky
- Spelling of Names of Astronomical
Objects
- Total
Solar Eclipse 2001 (Link to comprehensive NASA Report)
The IAU occasionally receives requests for information on potential
commercial suppliers of instruments or equipment, books, star charts,
etc. We regret that, as an international organization, we are not in a
position to recommend particular suppliers in individual
countries. Persons seeking information of this nature are advised to
contact national amateur or professional societies or consult popular
astronomical journals in the country in question, who will be well
placed to provide advice adapted to local circumstances.