Astronomy is deeply rooted in the culture of almost every society, including those in the so-called “developing countries.” By virtue of its fundamental applications and implications, it has had a profound influence on philosophy and on religious ritual and belief. Astronomy is vigorously pursued in the industrialized countries where, with multi-million-dollar facilities on the ground and in space, exciting discoveries in astronomy are constantly being made. In the developing countries, astronomical research and teaching activity ranges from little to none. There is tremendous potential for growth, however, especially if the industrialized countries can be persuaded to help. At any time, there are several countries which are in the process of raising their astronomy to a level at which they can become full members of the international professional astronomical community. The IAU strongly supports this process.

The public interest in astronomy, so often cited in this Colloquium, is demonstrated by the many works of art over the centuries with astronomical content. We mounted an exhibition, named Urania Observed after the muse of astronomy, at the Clark Art Institute to coincide with IAU Colloquium #105 on the Teaching of Astronomy and with the Sesquicentennial of the Hopkins Observatory. We thank Wayne Hammond of the Chapin Library for his expert assistance with this exhibition.