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Germany’s difficulties in becoming a member of the International Astronomical Union

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2019

Roland Wielen
Roland Wielen*
Affiliation:
Astronomisches Rechen-Institut, Zentrum für Astronomie, Universität Heidelberg, Mönchhofstrasse 12-14, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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After the foundation of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), it took nearly 32 years until Germany became a national member of the IAU. This unfortunate delay was due to both international politics and discussions within Germany (e.g. about the future role of the Astronomische Gesellschaft). The first Statutes of the IAU of 1919 excluded Germany, Austria and other countries from membership for political reasons. When the IAU Statutes were revised in 1931, Germany’s membership was possible, but could not be realized because of financial problems. In the mean time, German astronomers (as individuals) were often able to attend General Assemblies of the IAU as invited participants and to work in IAU Commissions as members. After World War II, Germany became a member of the IAU in 1951, Austria in 1955. In 1962, East Germany was accepted as an additional member. The reunification of Germany in 1990 clarified this situation. Member of the IAU is now one unified Germany.

Keywords

IAU membershipIAU adhering countriesGermanyAustria
Type
Contributed Papers
Information
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 13 , Symposium S349: Under One Sky: The IAU Centenary Symposium , December 2018 , pp. 205 - 213
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2019 

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