Division X : RADIO ASTRONOMY

Use of the electromagnetic spectrum

Commissions 9 , 40 and 50 will organize a joint meeting (60-90 minutes)
at the next General Assembly in Sydney to discuss the consequences for
Astronomy of the regulation of  the use of infrared and optical
frequencies by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Up to now the contact  between ITU and IAU is ensured by radio
astronomers  (Commission 40),  who do not always have
enough technical expertise in the optical and infrared domain.

The aim of the discussion is to bring together experts from the radio -
infrared - optical electromagnetic range for:   1)  giving information
about the ITU plan ; 2) discussing  a strategy to advise ITU on the
 technical requirements of astronomy; 3) appointing  suitable people
to represent optical and infrared astronomy at relevant ITU meetings.