| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) |
| Date & Location | Opened on 12 August 2025 in Mumbai, India at the Jio World Convention Centre. |
| Organiser | Organised by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). |
| Participants | 288 high school students from 64 countries, including 57 women (highest female participation in IOAA history). |
| First-Time Participants | 12 countries: Algeria, Australia, Bolivia, Ethiopia, France, Ghana (observer), Hong Kong, Italy, Laos, Moldova, Palestine, Qatar, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan. |
| Notable Absentees | Russia absent; Pakistan withdrew due to security concerns after the Pahalgam attack. |
| Special Participation | War-affected nations (Ukraine, Iraq, Palestine) participating. Belarus competing under the IOAA flag. |
| Competition Structure | Theory Exams, Data Analysis Exams, Observational Exams, Team Competitions, Sky Observation Sessions at Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai. |
| Significance | Strengthens India's position as a hub for international science Olympiads. Promotes STEM education, astronomy awareness, global scientific diplomacy, and cross-cultural exchange. |
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