The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) 2025 offers a global platform for students passionate about space science to showcase their knowledge and problem-solving skills. Organized by Edu.Harbour, IAAC aims to inspire young minds to delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Qualification Round Submission Deadline: July 4, 2025
• Qualification Round Results Announcement: July 21, 2025

• Pre-Final Round Registration Deadline: August 12, 2025
• Pre-Final Round Problem Release: August 14, 2025
• Pre-Final Round Submission Deadline: August 17, 2025
• Pre-Final Round Results Announcement: August 25, 2025

• Final Round Exam Date: September 9, 2025
• Final Round Results Announcement: September 15, 2025

Competition Structure

1. Qualification Round: Participants tackle five astronomy problems, each worth 5 points. To advance, students must score at least 15, 17, or 20 points, depending on their age category. Submissions are accepted online, and all participants receive a certificate of participation.

2. Pre-Final Round: Qualified students face six more challenging problems over four days, including basic, advanced, and research-based questions. The total possible score is 36 points, with advancement thresholds set at 16, 20, or 24 points based on age group.

3. Final Round: Finalists participate in a supervised online exam comprising 20 multiple-choice questions, each to be answered within 60 seconds. The exam assesses comprehensive knowledge in astronomy and astrophysics.

Awards and Recognition

• All Participants: Receive an official IAAC Participation Certificate.
• Finalists: Awarded Bronze, Silver, or Gold Honour Certificates.
• Top Performers:
  • Senior Category:
    • 1st Prize: Signed Telescope + $75
    • 2nd Prize: $125
    • 3rd Prize: $75

• • Youth Category:
    • 1st Prize: Signed Telescope + $50
    • 2nd Prize: $100
    • 3rd Prize: $50

• • Junior Category:
    • 1st Prize: $125
    • 2nd Prize: $75
    • 3rd Prize: $25

• National Awards: The Top three students from each country receive special recognition.

Preparation Tips

Books:

Fundamental Astronomy – Karttunen et al.

This book offers a more balanced approach, blending theoretical foundations with practical applications. It covers topics like planetary systems, stars, galaxies, and cosmology, and is especially useful if you want clearer explanations and a slightly gentler introduction than Carroll & Ostlie.

Schaum’s Outlines – Astronomy – Stacey Palen

Ideal for quick revision and practice, this book provides concise theory along with plenty of solved examples and practice problems. It’s highly recommended if you enjoy learning by doing problems rather than just reading theory.

An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics – Bradley Carroll and Dale Ostlie

This is a comprehensive and detailed textbook that covers virtually every topic in modern astrophysics. It’s a bit dense but invaluable as a reference when you need in-depth explanations of topics ranging from stellar structure to galaxies and cosmology.

Study Strategies:

• Practice with past IAAC problems to familiarize yourself with the question format.
• Join online forums or study groups focused on astronomy and astrophysics.
• Stay updated with recent discoveries and advancements in space science.

Participation and Submission

Interested students can participate independently, without the need for school affiliation. Submissions for the Qualification Round can be made online through the official IAAC submission portal.