THE IOAA
The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics
(IOAA) is one of the twelve International Science Olympiads. Founded by five countries
(Thailand, Indonesia, Iran, China, and Poland), its first edition took place in Thailand in
2007. The competition aims to foster interest in astronomy and astrophysics among young
people from participating countries, as well as to strengthen ties between different nations
and promote the exchange of The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA)
is one of the twelve International Science Olympiads. Founded by five countries (Thailand,
Indonesia, Iran, China, and Poland), its first edition took place in Thailand in 2007. The
competition aims to foster interest in astronomy and astrophysics among young people from
participating countries, as well as to strengthen ties between different nations and promote
the exchange of scientific and cultural knowledge and experiences. This year, 250 students
from 57 countries will participate.
This is the second edition to be held in Brazil. The
first edition took place 12 years ago, also in Vassouras.
IOAA in Brazil: 6th Edition and Current (Welcome to Brazil Again)
In 2012, Brazil hosted the 6th edition of the
International Olympiad on Astronomy and
Astrophysics (IOAA). It was the first time the Olympiad was held on the American continent.
The event took place from August 4 to 14 in the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Vassouras, with
the theme "Indigenous Astronomy."
The event was organized by a committee chaired by
Professor Thais Mothé Diniz, who had
previously been responsible for the Brazilian team from 2007 to 2011. Researcher Eugênio
Reis Neto, current Vice-Coordinator of the Brazilian Olympiad on Astronomy and Astronautics
(OBA) and responsible for the selection process of teams for international astronomy
Olympiads, was co-chair at the time.
The institutions involved in organizing the 6th edition
included the National Observatory
(ON), the Valongo Observatory (OV), the National Laboratory for Astrophysics (LNA), the
National Institute for Space Research (INPE), the Rio de Janeiro Planetarium, the Brazilian
Astronomical Society (SAB), the Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (MAST), the
Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), the Brazilian Olympiad on Astronomy (OBA), CCD, and NGC + 51.
The 6th International Olympiad on Astronomy and
Astrophysics had approximately 130
participants from 28 countries: Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan,
China, Singapore, Colombia, South Korea, Croatia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Slovakia,
Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic,
Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Ukraine. In this edition, Singapore had
been reintroduced to the Olympiad, and the United Arab Emirates was represented by a single
student, Nishith Khandwala.
Participants underwent theoretical assessments, data
analysis, and observation of the night
sky. The theoretical test consisted of 15 short questions and 2 long ones covering various
theoretical and mathematical aspects of astronomy and astrophysics. The data analysis part
was a paper or computer-based task involving the analysis of real data obtained from
professional astronomers, usually with 4 hours to solve.
The observation exams involved direct observation of the
sky (either real or in a
planetarium), recognizing stars, constellations, nebulae, large circles, etc. Additionally,
team assessments were conducted separately, where national teams were assigned to complete a
complex task involving both individual and group efforts, with theoretical and/or practical
reasoning.
In the 6th edition, students worked on a joint project
for several days, completing details
of a large astronomical model.
During breaks between evaluations, students and their
leaders had the opportunity to learn
more about Brazilian culture and cuisine through organized activities for visitors.
RESULTS:
Overall Winner: Motiejus Valiūnas - Lithuania.
Best in Theoretical Exams: Filip Ficek - Poland.
Best in Observation Exams: Jakub Vosmera - Czech Republic / Seyedshayan Khalooeitafti - Iran (guest).
Best in Data Analysis Exams: Filip Ficek - Poland / Motiejus Valiūnas - Lithuania / Stanislav Fort - Czech Republic / Peter Kosec - Slovakia / Wang Ye - Singapore / Alankar Kotwal - India / Racoreanu Mihai - Romania.
IOAA 2024: SUSTAINABILITY
Brazil will also host the G20 Summit in 2024. As such, the Brazilian government has prioritized combating hunger, poverty, and inequality, the three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental), and reforming global governance. In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly defined a collection of 17 interconnected goals aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring a prosperous future for all by 2030. These were named the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The National Observatory, as the organizer of IOAA 2024, based on the SDGs and the G20 Summit, has chosen "sustainability" as the theme for the event. This choice represents the growing global concern for the environment and the role of science in seeking sustainable solutions.
G20: WHAT IS IT?
Created in 1999 in response to the global financial crisis, the G20 is an international economic cooperation forum aimed at discussing issues to strengthen the international economy and global socioeconomic development. It plays a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing global governance and the architecture of international economic issues. The G20 comprises South Africa, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, South Korea, the United States, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Turkey, as well as the African Union and the European Union. Additionally, countries and international organizations invited by the host also participate in the G20. This edition of the IOAA aligns significantly with the discussions taking place at the G20 this year. Both events highlight the importance of adopting responsible practices to address global challenges such as climate change and social inequality. While the IOAA focuses on mobilizing youth to promote sustainable actions in their communities, the G20 brings together world leaders to establish policies that encourage sustainable development and international cooperation. This synergy between the two events is essential for fostering a global agenda that prioritizes the future of our planet and the well-being of future generations.
Selo evento Neutro - Neutral Seal Event
The achievement of the "Evento Neutro" (Neutral Event) Seal for this edition of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, organized by the National Observatory (ON/MCTI), is a remarkable example of commitment to sustainability.
This event, carefully planned to minimize its environmental impact, meets the criteria necessary to obtain the “Neutral Event” certification. The Neutral Event Seal is a voluntary initiative aimed at organizations that wish to demonstrate their commitment to mitigating climate change through sustainable practices. Obtaining this seal involves neutralizing the carbon emissions generated by the event, such as transportation, energy consumption, and waste generation, which are quantified in kilograms of CO2 using internationally recognized methodologies. These emissions are offset by supporting a certified environmental project that absorbs the same amount of carbon emitted.
In the case of the IOAA, the carbon offset was achieved through support for the Terrus Carbon Coffee project, an innovative regenerative agriculture initiative in Brazil, audited under the Carbon Fair Standard. This project uses a pioneering technology developed by Quanticum for soil management, which not only increases the capture and storage of carbon in the soil but also reduces the emission of greenhouse gases from agricultural practices. The Terrus Carbon Coffee project has already captured over 20,000 tons of carbon from the atmosphere and benefited over 200 people.
Supporting this project, the 17th IOAA will offset, in total, 30,000 kg of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to planting 180 trees.
The Neutral Event certification obtained by the IOAA not only highlights the event’s socio-environmental responsibility but also aligns perfectly with the central theme of sustainability at the 17th IOAA.
This recognition underscores the IOAA’s leadership role in promoting sustainable practices, encouraging participants from all regions of the world to adopt conscious actions in favor of the environment. Thus, the IOAA not only promotes scientific excellence but also positions itself as a model of how international events can and should be conducted sustainably, demonstrating that scientific progress and environmental protection go hand in hand.
