USNO Circular 179
The IAU Resolutions on Astronomical Reference
Systems, Time Scales, and Earth Rotation Models: Explanation and
Implementation
George H. Kaplan
U.S. Naval Observatory
October 2005
Introduction:
The series of resolutions passed by the International Astronomical Union at
its General Assemblies in 1997 and 2000 are the most significant set of
international agreements in positional astronomy in several decades and
arguably since the Paris conference of 1896. U.S. Naval Observatory Circular
179 explains these resolutions and provides guidance on their implementation.
This publication is the successor to
USNO Circular 163 (1982), which
had a similar purpose for the IAU resolutions passed in 1976, 1979, and 1982.
Circular 179 is intended for astronomers, geodesists, engineers, and others
with an interest in positional astronomy.
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