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\title{
IAU Standards --- Its Future
}
\author{ TOSHIO FUKUSHIMA\\ 
Chair, IAU WG on Astronomical Standards \\
National Astronomical Observatory \\
2-21-1, Ohsawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181, JAPAN \\
(Internet) toshio@spacetime.mtk.nao.ac.jp
}
\date{}
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\maketitle
\noindent
The XXIInd General Assembly of the IAU (1994) adopted Resolution B11
to initiate a new permanent activity to maintain the set of astronomical
constants and related softwares,
which would be referred as the Standards Of Fundamental Astronomy (SOFA),
under the WG on Astronomical Standards
as
{\em
\begin{enumerate}
\item
the IAU Working Group on Astronomical Standards  (WGAS)  continue
permanently  and  assume the responsibility for establishing
and maintaining a set of constants,  algorythms,  and
procedures;
\item
the IAU WGAS identify a single center at a suitable  institution,
under  a worldwide reviewing board, to organize, maintain,
and distribute the set of  constants,  algorythms,  and
procedures electronically; and
\item
the center and the IAU WGAS coordinate their activities  with
the IERS and the IAG.
\end{enumerate}
}
\noindent
Also it decided to introduce a two-tier mechanism in maintaining
the numerical estimations of astronomical constants and quantities
as in Resolution C6;
{\em
\begin{enumerate}
\item
the present 1976 IAU System of Astronomical Constants be  retained;
\item
an "IAU File of Current Best Estimates of  Astronomical  Constants"
be  established in accordance with the report of the
IAU WGAS;
\item
a sub-working group be appointed by the IAU WGAS  to  provide
definitions  of  the  astronomical  units,  of the quantities
linking these astronomical units to the units of the International 
System (SI), and of other astronomical quantities, in
compatibility with the theory of General Relativity.
\end{enumerate}
}
\noindent
To meet these,
the IAU Division 1
has approved to reorganize the WGAS to consist of three sub-functions;
1) the Maintainance Committee to take care of
the system of astronomical constants
and the list of their best estimates,
2) the Review Board to conduct the nomination of the software center
designated in Resolution B11, Item 2, which is to be called the SOFA center,
and to execute the review of algorythms and softwares
in collaboration with the center,
and
3) the Sub-Group on Relativistic Issues to consider the problems
posed in the Resolution C6, Item 3.
The SOFA center will be the fourth sub-function after its nomination.
In the talk, the author will present the visions on the future activities
of all sub-functions.

At the time of writing the abstract, the WGAS is still in the process of
nomination of its Members and Chieves of its sub-functions.
This is the main reason the author have kept the silence since
the last issue of the WG's electronic newsletter, WGAS/Circular No.99,
distributed last December.
However, once the organizational matters are resolved,
we will start to circulate the status of our activities as well as
the responses from a wide community of fundamental astronomy
and space geodesy.
So, please join our discussions!
\end{document}
