The International Astronomical Union (IAU)
founded in 1919, has a mission to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. With now over 8,300 individual members and 60 Adhering Countries worldwide, the IAU plays a key role in promoting and coordinating worldwide cooperation in astronomy. The IAU is also the sole internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and surface features on such bodies. http://www.iau.org/