The International Astronomical Union expresses its heartfelt condolences to the thousands of families and colleagues who have suffered loss in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. We stand with the International Science Council, of which the IAU is a member, in support of our fellow astronomers who have been affected by this tragic event.

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The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.

Contacts

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Director of Communications
Cell: +1 520 461 0433/+49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars.christensen@noirlab.edu