IOAA 2024: A Competition to Inspire Future Astronomers

On August 17, the 17th International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), a global event that will bring together students from 54 countries, will begin in the cities of Vassouras and Barra do Piraí in Rio de Janeiro. The competition, which is held annually, aims to promote knowledge and passion for astronomy and astrophysics among high school students.

According to Dr. Josina Nascimento, an astronomer at the National Observatory (ON), the body responsible for organizing the event, preparing for the 2024 International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics was a long and detailed process. In addition to the logistical services for receiving international delegations.“She explains to MEC RadioThere is the issue of preparing tests, practical activities and observation.

The theme for IOAA 2024, chosen by ON, will be “Sustainability.”Which will practically start using recyclable materials and not using disposable materials. The idea is to raise awareness among participants and society in general about the global concern for environmental development and the role of science in finding sustainable solutions.

How does Iowa work?

Brazil’s captain receives the flag at the conclusion of the 16th IOAA Championship in Poland.source: National Observatory

Ten Brazilian Representatives Selected for IOAA It starts with the OBA (Brazilian Astronomy Olympiad) exam, Explains to Brazil Agency ON researcher Eugenio Reyes is one of the coordinators of the International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics. High school students with a grade above 7, and ninth-year primary school students with grades 9 or above 9 participate in the selection process.

There are three initial online tests, which are taken in the last three months of the year, at school or at home, at no cost to students. After that, they gradually increase in difficulty. After the online tests Top 150-200 people take a personality test.which is usually applied at the Fazenda Ribeirão hotel located in Barra do Piraí.

This stage, in addition to theoretical and planetarium tests, includes handling the telescope and studying the celestial chart. “Out of 150 to 200 people we invite to take these tests, 40 students were selected.“But there are some quotas for girls, public school students and Year 9 primary school students to participate in teams,” says Reese.

IOAA Internal Training and Competitions

The training will be given at the Fazenda Ribeirão Hotel in Barra do Piraí.source: Ribeirao Farm/Disclosure

These 40 selected students will also receive further training at the Fazenda Ribeirão Hotel, Reis explains. To compete against each other, in two stages. Only after the second phase of this training will the ten representatives of Brazil be selected for the International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics as well as for the OLAA (Latin American Olympiad in Astronomy and Astronautics), plus five other alternates.

Since IOAA is about astronomy and astrophysics and OLAA is about astronomy and space navigation, a third differentiated training is also being conducted. “Latin America is testing rockets out of plastic bottles,” says the ON astronomer. “In the first two training sessions, everyone builds and launches rockets.”

Supporters of the International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics 2024

At the Pico dos Dias Observatory, students worked side by side with professional astronomers.source: Pico dos Dias Observatory / Facebook

In July, ON received reinforcements from the National Astrophysical Laboratory (LNA), which will provide IOAA participants with Remote observations through the Pico dos Dias Observatory, in Brazópolis (MG)On the night of August 25, the last night before the closing ceremony of the Olympiad, students will perform alongside professional astronomers.

The Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (MAST), in Rio de Janeiro, will provide activities for the Vassouras community and other cities in Vale do Café, where IOAA activities have been closed. Univassouras will provide logistical support, as well as its own conference center for the main activities, as well as free courses.

The 2024 International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics also has other partner companies supporting this educational and scientific initiative, such as: Surfshark, which offers VPN services, is a virtual private network. Which encrypts your internet connection and functions and prevents third parties, including hackers and malicious actors, from intercepting your data or tracking your online activities. Recruitment is done directly on the cybersecurity company’s website..