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The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was founded on the 28th of July 1919. It is an international association of professional astronomers, at the PhD level and beyond, active in professional research and education in astronomy.The IAU includes a total of 12,664 individual members who are professional astronomers from 96 countries worldwide (as of 1 February 2017).
Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Sciences (AASS) play an effective role in Sciences, Technology and Community Development. Unfortunately, a small percentage of this knowledge is actually used in teaching at schools, universities and other academic institutions in Arab countries. The challenge is to provide effective professional development for AASS educators and researchers at all levels, from elementary school to university. There is an urgent need for a better communication channels among Arab astronomers and space scientists nowadays. In this respect, the best choice is to identify in the vast cultural heritage of the Arab basin, particularly in astronomy. Building modern and good observatories, planetariums and research centers in the region jointly by Arab astronomers and space scientists is essential and will be an excellent step towards developing AASS.
The Arab Union of Astronomy and Space Science (AUASS) has been rather active in proposing projects and submitting a proposal to host a regional office in Arab World. IAU found the AUASS proposal rather strong and justified since it represents all of Arab countries. During the 11th Arab Conference on Astronomy and Space Science, which was held in Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) between the 5th and 8th of December 2014 under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasemi, the ruler Of Sharjah, the AUASS had discussed this issue with Mr. Kevin Govender (from the OAD) with the presence of the high council members of AUASS. Finally, they took a resolution of selecting the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Host the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development in the Arab region. An agreement was signed in this regard at the IAU’s General Assembly in Honolulu in August2015.