The Italian Astronomical Society (SAIt) and the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR), Directorate General for School Systems and School Autonomy, organize the Italian Astronomy Olympiad 2014.
The aim of the initiative is to stimulate interest in the study of scientific disciplines in general, and Astronomy and Astrophysics in particular, offering Italian school
students an opportunity to meet and compare different school realities and the school with the world of scientific research.
The national organization of the event is managed by the Organizing Committee for the Italian Astronomy Olympiad (COOA), jointly appointed by SAIt and INAF.
Who can participate.
Students from Italian schools born in the years 1999 and 2000 (junior category) and in the years 1997 and 1998 (senior category) are eligible to participate, regardless of nationality and citizenship.
How to participate.
The competition is strictly individual and takes place in three successive phases, as specified in the attached announcement, which outlines the participation methods and submission deadlines.
To participate in the first phase (PRESELECTION), candidates must submit an essay online by connecting to the site www.olimpiadiastronomia.it and following the instructions provided there.
The theme for the 2013-2014 edition is
“On November 28, 2013, the perihelion passage of comet C/2012 S1, known as ISON, is expected, which – according to astronomers’ predictions – should be visible to the naked eye. What are comets? What determines their brightness? What do they tell us about the formation of the solar system? And about the origin of life on Earth?”
Submissions can be made starting from 12:00 PM on Monday, October 7, 2013, until the deadline of 12:00 AM on Monday, November 18, 2013.
The winners of the Italian Astronomy Olympiad will be candidates to join the National Team representing Italy at the International Astronomy Olympiad, which will take place at a venue and with modalities that will be subsequently communicated on the site www.olimpiadiastronomia.it.