Bulgarian Students Win Medals at Astronomy Olympiad

Bulgarian students triumphed at the Junior International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (IOAAjr), winning an impressive number of medals. The competition took place in the picturesque Romanian city of Piatra Neamț, where young talents from around the world tested their knowledge and skills in the field of space sciences. The news of the success of the Bulgarian representatives came from the press center of the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), causing a wave of pride in their homeland.

108 participants from 19 countries took part in the competition, each striving to prove their abilities. The competition took place in two intense rounds, requiring both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The theoretical round was a serious test, including nine complex tasks. These covered a wide range of topics related to astronomy and astrophysics, such as orbital mechanics, spherical trigonometry, eclipses, stellar astronomy, and exoplanets. Participants had to demonstrate a deep understanding of these complex concepts and apply theoretical knowledge in practice.

The observational round, in turn, presented the young astronomers with new challenges. It was dedicated to practical work, as they demonstrated skills in reading star charts and effectively working with a telescope. The atmosphere was charged with tension as the competitors plunged into challenges requiring both precision and an analytical mind.

The Bulgarian team performed brilliantly, winning three silver and one bronze medal. Their return to their homeland will be met with delight, as their achievement represents a significant success for Bulgarian education and encourages young people to strive for knowledge and success. The silver medals were won by Marina Marinova from the ninth grade at the Mathematics High School (MG) "Baba Tonka" in Ruse, Lev Belenkiy from the ninth grade at MG "Dr. Petar Beron" in Varna, and Viktor Kozhuharov from the eighth grade at the National Natural and Mathematical High School (NPMH) "Acad. Lyubomir Chakalov" in Sofia. Ognyan Dobrev from the ninth grade at MG "Dr. Petar Beron" in Varna won a bronze medal, solidifying the strong position of the Bulgarian team.

The team was led by Eva Bozhurova from the Nikolai Copernicus People's Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium in Varna and Alexander Kurtenkov from the Institute of Astronomy with the National Astronomical Observatory at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Their work and efforts are of key importance to the success of the Bulgarian students.