Mumbai: More than 300 high school students from 64 countries across the world have gathered at Mumbai for the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) that gets underway from tomorrow (August 11, 2025). The global event will continue till August 21.
The Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), is organising the event for some of the world’s brightest young astronomy enthusiasts. The formal inauguration at the Jio World Convention Centre, on Tuesday (August 12), will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Distinguished guests will include Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood and Ajit Kembhavi, former vice-president of the International Astronomical Union. The closing ceremony will be held at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre on August 21 and will be attended by ISRO chairperson V Narayanan and Anil Kakodkar, chancellor of the Homi Bhabha National Institute.
The IOAA was first launched in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2007. This Olympiad was created to nurture the growing global interest in astronomy among school students. Over the years, it has travelled across Asia, Europe, and South America, with past editions hosted by Brazil, China, Colombia, Greece, Hungary, and Iran.
“The competition’s format challenges participants with theoretical papers, observational tasks, and data analysis exercises, providing an intense yet inspiring platform for young talent to explore the fast-evolving realms of astronomy and astrophysics,” a mentor said.
The participants will be housed at The Westin Powai Lake, which will also serve as the venue for all academic events, including theory, data analysis, observational exams, and the team challenge. The arrangement aims to ensure safety and convenience during Mumbai’s monsoon season.
The leaders and academic mentors will be accommodated at the St Regis Hotel, Worli, where moderation and jury meetings will also be held, the organisers have announced.
