India will be hosting the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA). This time, the Olympiad will be held in Mumbai from August
11 to 21 with over 300 high school students from 64 countries. The Olympiad will be organised by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a division of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. This Olympiad will begin with an opening ceremony on August 12 at the Jio World Convention Centre, and will be attended by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Other guests who will be present at the opening event will include principal scientific advisor Ajay Sood and Ajit Kembhavi, former vice president of the International Astronomical Union. The closing ceremony will be scheduled for August 21 at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, and will be presided over by ISRO chairman V Narayanan and Anil Kakodkar, chancellor of the Homi Bhabha National Institute. "The flag of the IOAA was handed over to India, as Mumbai gears up to host the 18th IOAA 2025," Homi Bhabha National Institute stated in a Facebook post. "Last year, the journey of young astronomers shone bright in Brazil - This year, it finds a new sky in India."
According to the press release, participating students will be housed at The Westin Powai Lake, where the main academic events such as the theory, data analysis, observational exams, and the innovative team competition will also be held, ensuring convenience and safety during Mumbai’s monsoon season. Separate arrangements have been made for leaders and academic mentors at the St. Regis Hotel, Worli, which will also host moderation and jury meetings.
The Olympiad’s curriculum is crafted to rigorously evaluate students through theoretical, observational, and data analysis challenges, providing a platform for the brightest young minds to explore and engage with the fast-evolving realm of astronomy and astrophysics.
