The IAU SOFA Initiative

The International Astronomical Union (IAU), at its 1994 General Assembly, resolved to introduce new arrangements which will establish and maintain an accessible and authoritative set of constants, algorithms and procedures that implement standard models used in fundamental astronomy. A single center will, under a worldwide reviewing board, manage and distribute the set, which is called SOFA (Standards Of Fundamental Astronomy). The initiative is the responsibility of the Working Group on Astronomical Standards (WGAS), part of Division 1 of the IAU.