The Italian Astronomical Society (SAIt) and the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR), Directorate General for School Systems and School Autonomy, are organizing the 2015 Italian Astronomy Olympics.
The aim of the initiative is to stimulate interest in the study of scientific disciplines
in general, and Astronomy and Astrophysics in particular, offering students from Italian schools an opportunity to meet and compare different school environments and the world of scientific research.
Who can participate?
Students from Italian schools born in 2000 and 2001 (Junior category) and in 1998 and 1999 (Senior category) are eligible to participate in the 2015 edition, regardless of nationality and citizenship.
How to participate?
The competition is strictly individual and takes place in three successive phases (Preselection, Interregional Competition, and National Final), as specified in the downloadable announcement, with the related attachments, at this address: http://www.iaps.inaf.it/olimpiadiastronomia/ecco-il-bando-2015/
This announcement also specifically refers to the participation methods and the deadlines for submitting the papers.
To participate in the first phase (PRESELECTION), each participant must prepare an original paper on the following topic:
The year 2015 has been proclaimed by the UN as the “International Year of Light.” Light is the messenger that astronomers have used for the longest time to gather information about the nature of the Cosmos. How do astronomers use light today to study the universe? What are the main modern astronomical instruments?
Candidates must submit their papers online by visiting the website www.olimpiadiastronomia.it and following the instructions provided there. Submissions can be made from 12:00 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2014, until the deadline of 12:00 AM on Wednesday, November 12, 2014.
The winners of the Italian Astronomy Olympics will be candidates to join the National Team that will represent Italy at the International Astronomy Olympics.