International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition

Ambassador Tahira Batool from Quetta shared this fantastic moment as inquisitive young minds attempt an astronomy quiz! The IAAC aims to ignite curiosity and bringing the wonders of space to young scientists worldwide! 🚀

Learn more at https://iaac.space 💙

Ambassador Arnold Valaro inspired students at Zomba Islamic High School in Malawi with stories of space and information on IAAC opportunities. It's wondeful to see students motivated and curious to discover more about our universe!
Your curiosity could lead you to the stars too: join now! https://iaac.space/en/ 💙

We are thrilled to share Gabriel Fontes Tavares Martins’ photo capturing the first equipment tests in Seia, Portugal, a step toward forming an Astronomy Club and inspiring over 600 visitors at Observatório Astronómico de Travancinha!
Get involved and discover more at https://iaac.space 🌙

🔭 Astronomical Event: Perseids Meteor Shower
📅 Date: August 12-13, 2026

The Perseids are one of the most popular and spectacular meteor showers of the year, peaking in mid-August with up to 60 bright meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Their bright, fast-moving meteors often leave glowing trails and occasional fireballs, making them a highlight of the stargazing calendar.

Originating from Comet Swift–Tuttle, the Perseids offer valuable data for understanding cometary debris and the interaction of meteoroids with Earth's atmosphere. This is an excellent year for the Perseids with no moonlight to interfere with the show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Their consistency and brilliance make them a favorite for public viewing events, photographers, and the broader astronomy community.

✉️ We'd love to see your view of the sky: Feel free to send us your photos by e-mail and be part of our global astronomy community: [email protected]

Let's enjoy the skies together! 💙🌎

🔭 Astronomical Event: Total Solar Eclipse
📅 Date: August 12, 2026

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely blocks the Sun, revealing the Sun's spectacular corona—its outer atmosphere. This rare and breathtaking event will be visible along a path of totality that crosses Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. A partial eclipse will be visible from Alaska, Canada, the northern United States, and western Africa.

For astronomers and eclipse chasers, a total solar eclipse is one of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena. The sudden darkness, the appearance of the corona, and the unique opportunity to observe solar prominences make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. It's also a crucial event for scientific research into the Sun's outer layers and magnetic field.

✉️ We'd love to see your view of the sky: Feel free to send us your photos by e-mail and be part of our global astronomy community: [email protected]

Let's enjoy the skies together! 💙🌎

Our ambassador - Thaiza Montine Gomes Dos Santos Cruz in Goiânia -sparked curiosity about space and astronaut life at an “Autumn Sky” event. We are always so proud and inspired by our wonderful IAAC community!

Discover more about astronomy and be part of the IAAC at https://iaac.space/en/ 🚀

Meet one of the outstanding award winners of IAAC 2026:

⭐️ Pietro Benotto
🏆 1. Prize Senior, 2026

🚀 Why are you interested in astronomy?
➡️ I have loved astronomy since I was 8 years old, when I started reading about comets and the solar system in a book my parents bought me. I then took up stargazing and astrophotography when I was 15, and that's when I decided to never leave astronomy. Now, it has become my field of study and, hopefully, my career. I love astronomy because it puts us in the right perspective within the immensity of the universe.

Read More: https://iaac.space/en/interview2026

Meet one of the outstanding award winners of IAAC 2026:

⭐️ Adina Tapu
🏆 2. Prize Senior, 2026

🚀 Why are you interested in astronomy?
➡️ I think I've always had a natural interest in astronomy and in what lies beyond the Earth. What fascinates me most is that astronomy tackles some of the most fundamental questions humans have ever asked: Where did we come from? How did the universe begin? What is our place in it, and what does its future look like? What really draws me to astronomy is that we can use physics, together with mathematics and other sciences, to investigate these questions, and come up with possible answers.

Read More: https://iaac.space/en/interview2026

Feeling inspired by our IAAC Ambassador Dilmurod Arslonbekov Bakbergan O'g'li in Khorezm. Students gathered for a wonderful indoor astronomy session exploring interesting phenomena, new developments in astrophysics, and how young people can get involved! 🚀

Looking to start your own IAAC journey? Learn how at https://iaac.space

Meet one of the outstanding award winners of IAAC 2026:

⭐️ Noah Julien Herrero
🏆 3. Prize Senior, 2026

🚀 Why are you interested in astronomy?
➡️ I could cite my first exposure and real spark towards astronomy to when I was around 5 years old visiting the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. Seeing the sheer scope of space, and all the weird yet really cool things got me captivated in wanting to understand it. That curiosity is what drives my interest now, as I want to understand how the vast unknown works.

Read More: https://iaac.space/en/interview2026