Abstract
The health of astronomy is profoundly affected by the quality and quantity of astronomy education, in the schools and universities, and among the general public. Education plays a direct role in attracting and training the next generation of astronomers. It contributes to awareness, understanding and appreciation of astronomy among the taxpayers who support us. This review focuses on three topics: the educational activities of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), some notable astronomy education projects and programs worldwide, and some actions which you and your colleagues could take to promote more and better astronomy education in your city, your country, and the world. For a comprehensive view of astronomy education worldwide, see Pasachoff and Percy (1990), and the triennial national reports in the Newsletter of IAU Commission 46 (The Teaching of Astronomy).
