The fields of research covered by Division VIII and its two Commissions have experienced remarkable progress over the last several years. This is due at least in part to the proliferation of major new observational facilities, and the addition of the several 8-m class telescopes presently being completed and new space facilities which will have a huge impact in the years to come. Many of the important recent scientific developments are summarized on the following pages in the reports of Commission 28 and Commission 47. These reports have been prepared in the “short” form, and are intended both to present the major scientific highlights and the most important conference proceedings and reviews for further reading.