18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2025 will commence tomorrow in Mumbai, hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
Opening Ceremony: Dignitaries include Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood (Principal Scientific Adviser), Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty (Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy), and Prof. Ajit Kembhavi (Former Vice President, International Astronomical Union).
Largest Edition to Date:
Participants: 288 students from 64 countries (including Ghana as observer country).
Duration: 10 days.
Events: Theory, observation round, sky map reading, data analysis, planetarium round, and team competition.
Objectives:
Promote global collaboration among young astronomy enthusiasts.
Facilitate knowledge exchange, discussions, and network-building.
Academic Framework: Question papers and evaluations overseen by Prof. Anwesh Mazumdar (Chair, Academic Committee, IOAA 2025 & National Coordinator, Science Olympiads).