General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union

The General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU GA) is the most important event in the Union’s calendar, and this year it was held for the first time in history on the African continent.

An Overview of the Assembly

This was the first-ever open conference by IAU (i.e., the sessions were broadcast live on YouTube, and the lectures are still available for free there). The YouTube broadcasts had more than 20,000 views by the end of the Assembly. A total of 2,648 scientists, students, and science representatives participated in the conference (2,045 in person and 603 virtually) from 107 countries. Of these, 647 were students (500 attended in person, and 147 virtually). The Assembly included 20 sponsors and 43 exhibitors (journals, scientific institutes, astronomical companies).

There were 211 scientific sessions (6 Symposia and 12 Focus Meetings) and 16 poster sessions. For the first time, a hybrid poster session was organized on such a scale. To this end, 100 televisions were used, each with a Raspberry Pi, webcam, and microphone. The Zoom platform enabled communication, question-asking, and presentation of research results. The equipment used will be donated to schools and institutions in need.

Technological Innovations and Engagement

For the first time at the Assembly, an immersive platform compatible with Virtual Reality was used. 15 3D spaces were utilized (for example, the Virtual Cosmic Echoes exhibit). Also for the first time in history, a live radio broadcast (Radio Astro) aired 8 hours per day throughout the entire Assembly. Student visits, meetings, and popular science lectures reached approximately 28,000 primary and secondary school students. On Women’s Day in South Africa (August 9), a live connection was made to the International Space Station, where students had the opportunity to talk to astronaut Sunita Williams. The event also featured Dr. Mae Jemison (the first African American woman in space) and Dr. Sian Proctor (the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft).

In collaboration with the City of Cape Town, a space industry meeting was held, gathering African technology companies involved in the space sector alongside international organizations participating in the Assembly, such as NASA, ESA, and NAOJ.

Important Resolutions Passed at the IAU General Assembly
Three resolutions were adopted. The first concerned the protection of dark skies and the negative impact of satellite constellations on the night sky. The second and third concerned the establishment of the Lunar Celestial Reference System (LCRS) and Lunar Coordinate Time (TLC).
The Maldives and Nepal were admitted as new national members. North Korea and Vietnam were re-admitted as observers.
New leadership for the Union was elected for the next 3 years.
229 new Junior Members, 307 new Regular Members, and 15 new Honorary Members were accepted into the Union, all from 85 countries.
It was decided that the 34th IAU General Assembly in 2030 will be held in Chile.
The financial report for IAU activities in 2021-2023 was presented and approved.

Reflection on the XXXII General Assembly
The Assembly featured numerous events and activities promoting astronomy, mainly on the African continent. The scope of the tasks and belief in their timely execution was aptly summarized by Kevin Govender (Chair of the Local Organizing Committee of GA IAU in South Africa) with Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Secretary of KA PAN, Dr. Hab. Marek Nikołajuk, Prof. UwB
Based on the report by Kevin Govender and personal observations

Mountain and sea views in Cape Town, South Africa

Photo: IAU