The 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) is set to kick off in Mumbai tomorrow. The prestigious event is being hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, in Mumbai.

 

 

The opening ceremony will be held in the presence of Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, and Former Vice President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Prof. Ajit Kembhavi. 

 

 

Addressing a press conference today, Prof. Arnab Bhattacharya, Centre Director, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, and Chair of the Local Organising Committee of IOAA 2025, informed that this is set to be the largest International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics till date, with a total of 288 students from 64 countries, including Ghana as an observer country, participating in this 10-day event.

 

 

Elaborating on the nature of the competition, he said that it comprises multiple areas, including theory, observation round, sky map reading, data analysis, planetarium round, and team competition.

 

 

Prof. Aniket Sule, President of IOAA, explained the goal behind organising the competition as providing a platform to bring together young students across the globe who are passionate about astronomy, facilitating discussions and friendships among them, and helping them establish networks.

 

 

Prof. Anwesh Mazumdar, Chair of the Academic Committee, IOAA 2025, and National Coordinator of Science Olympiads, elaborated on the academic aspects of IOAA 2025, including the setting of question papers and the process of evaluation.