Macleans College student selected for International Astronomy Olympiad in Vietnam

The New Zealand Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics is a newly established programme designed to encourage interest in astronomy and related sciences among secondary school students. Selection involves a preliminary examination followed by training camps before the national team is chosen.

One of the training camps was held at the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. There, students developed practical observational skills, including identifying stars, using telescopes and interpreting the night sky.

The IOAA is a prestigious annual event that promotes interest in astronomy and STEM subjects. The competition attracts hundreds of students from more than 60 countries.

Participants are assessed across several areas:

• Theoretical examination – solving astronomy and physics-based problems and calculations.
• Data analysis – interpreting and analysing real astronomical data.
• Observational examination – demonstrating practical skills using telescopes, planetariums or simulated sky maps.