Third Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics- Junior 2024 kicks off

Godawari (Lalitpur): The third edition of the Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics- Junior 2024 kicked off in Lalitpur on Friday.

It is the first time Nepal is hosting this event which was previously held in Europe, according to the organiser Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO).

The event is co-organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and targets children below 16 years old. It aims to spark interest among students in astronomy and astrophysics as well as to expand their cosmic knowledge.

NASO’s President Suresh Bhattarai shared that 21 groups from 19 countries including Nepal are participating in this event. He added that it is expected to serve as a unique networking opportunity for students sharing similar interests in cosmology.

Inaugurating the five-day event, Budhanilakantha Municipality Deputy Mayor Anita Lama shared that she attended the event in a gesture of support and encouragement to the students and youths who were determined to organize the Olympiad on astronomy and astrophysics at the international level in Nepal.

Deputy Mayor Lama expressed her belief that the programme would instil hope among the abroad aspiring Nepali youths about the availability of opportunities and scope of work within the country.

Similarly, International Olympiad Association President Aniketu Sule expressed excitement about organizing such events in the land of the Sagarmatha and the Lord Buddha. He was confident that such kind of programme would contribute to tourism promotion of Nepal.

Likewise, Prof Dr Uday Raj Khanal, Co-President of the Association, recognized Olympiad as an opportunity for space enthusiasts to explore new frontiers in astronomy. “Nepal would make a remarkable stride in astronomy if such events are continued in future,” he viewed.

Junior high school students participating will showcase their talent and engage in various activities including games, and tests. The organizers believed this would further inspire them to study astronomy in the university and pursue career in astronomy and astrophysics.