The Inaugural Ceremony was held at the Convention Center, Baltimore, in the presence of distinguished representatives from the Government of the United States, the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, the Johns Hopkins University, the National Aeronautics & Space Administration, the and the US National Committee for the IAU.

The chair was taken by Dr. A. Davidsen, co-Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, from the Johns Hopkins University.

A rousing aubade, specially composed for the occasion by Elam Ray Sprenkle, was beautifully performed by the Annapolis Brass Quintet under the direction of David Cren.