Kathmandu: After years of continuous effort, Nepal has officially become a member country of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the world’s leading body for professional astronomers. The Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) will serve as Nepal’s national representative within the organization.
NASO President Suresh Bhattarai said the membership marks a major milestone for Nepal’s growing astronomical community, validating the initiatives undertaken since 2007 to promote astronomy and space science in the country.
Nepal was first granted observer status during the 32nd General Assembly of the IAU held in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2024, where NASO project coordinator Manisha Dwa presented Nepal’s progress and activities in the field.
According to NASO, the confirmation of Nepal’s national membership was conveyed by the newly elected IAU President and 2011 Nobel Laureate in Physics, Prof. Brian P. Schmidt, who stated that NASO had been chosen to represent the entire astronomical community of Nepal.
President Bhattarai expressed hope that Nepal’s inclusion in the IAU would strengthen its participation in global scientific collaboration and open new opportunities for research, education, and space exploration. He said the achievement is a moment of pride for the Nepali scientific community and reaffirmed NASO’s commitment to promoting astronomy education and research in Nepal.
NASO has been active since 2007 in advancing astronomy education, public outreach, and research. The membership is expected to enhance Nepal’s visibility and engagement in the international astronomy arena, paving the way for deeper scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange.
(RSS)
