The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition is an international science competition that enables students from all countries to prove their skills and to unleash their creativity in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. IAAC gives you the unique opportunity to apply your skills to challenging problems. Participants can receive certificates, awards, cash prizes, and global recognition.
Eligibility
In order to participate in the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition, you have to be a high-school or university student. Students from all grades and all countries are invited to participate! There are two age categories:
- Junior: under 18 years on 13. May 2022
- Youth: over 18 years on 13. May 2022
Depending on your age category you will have to score more points to qualify for the next round. To solve the problems you should be interested in astronomy, smart, and creative. You should also have a working internet connection to submit your solution online via the submission form
Prizes and Awards
All participants receive participation certificates.
The best students receive the 1. prize, 2. prize, and 3. prize with a cash award of 150 USD, 100 USD, and 50 USD (both for the youth and junior category).
Furthermore, the most outstanding participants from each country receive a special national award to honour their excellence. There are also special school awards and awards for ambassadors. You find all information about the many awards that worth over 700 USD in total in in IAAC 2022 information flyer
Become IAAC Ambassador
Winners, students, and interested youths are encouraged to become official IAAC ambassadors with the aim to inspire students for astronomy and to encourage them to participate in the IAAC competition. You will find all information about the benefits, responsibilities, and application below on this page:
For Parents, Teachers, and Schools
Parents, teachers, and schools are invited to share this opportunity with their students and youths to make talented students in particular benefit from IAAC. We provide materials, flyers, and posters for schools and teachers and we will support you with any issue. We also award several special awards for teachers and schools:
Participate More Information
Qualification Round
The qualification round is the first stage and consists of five astronomy problems that have been published online. You can download the problem sheet below. The problems vary in topic and difficulty: Some of the problems test your astronomy knowledge, others require calculations. The qualification round will not only sharpen your mind but you can also learn more about astronomy and astrophysics!
All participants of the qualification round will receive participation certificates. You have to score at least 15 points (junior, under 18 years) or 20 points (youth, over 18 years) to qualify for the pre-final round. Digitally typed solutions receive a special honorary note on the certificates!
Pre-Final Round
Participants that have solved the qualification round successfully are qualified to participate in the pre-final round. The problems will be more challenging, but even more interesting! The pre-final round consists of 8 different problems that vary in difficulty, points, and topic: 3x basic problems (four points), 3x advanced problems (six points), 2x research problems (ten points). It is possible to reach up to 50 points in total. Participants have to reach at least 20 points (junior) or 30 points (youth) to qualify for the final round.
All participants that are qualified and registered for the pre-final round will receive the problems on Thursday 16. June 2022. From that day on you have until Sunday 16. June 2022 to solve as many problems as possible! The registration costs for the pre-final round are 8 EUR to make this year's competition possible
Final Round
Participants that have solved the pre-final round successfully are qualified to participate in the final round: The final round consists of a single online exam with 20 multiple-choice questions. The questions require knowledge about astronomy and astrophysics.
Every finalist has to appoint a teacher who will supervise the final exam. Alternatively, there is the option to record the exam and upload the video. The awards and prizes are given to the finalists with the most points in the final round.
Important Dates
Last Date to Participate 13-May-2022
